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Bringing Aerial Situational Awareness to Emergency Response
The Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center (ACDC) Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program provides real-time aerial situational awareness to support emergency responders during qualifying calls for service.
Through the program, trained ACDC pilots can remotely operate an unmanned aircraft system from the dispatch center to provide live aerial information during emergency incidents. By providing an aerial perspective while responders are en route, the DFR program can help improve situational awareness and support informed decision-making.
The DFR Program operates in partnership with the Addison Police Department and Addison Fire Protection District.
What Is a Drone as First Responder Program?
A Drone as First Responder (DFR) program deploys unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to provide public safety agencies with immediate situational awareness during emergency calls for service. Rather than waiting for ground personnel to arrive on scene to assess a situation, a remotely operated aircraft is deployed instantly to transmit real-time data to en-route responders. The DFR program seamlessly supplements traditional emergency operations, equipping personnel with a clearer understanding of active incident conditions to ensure safer, faster, and more informed decision-making.
ACDC Telecommunicator Pilots
A defining feature of the ACDC DFR program is that the aircraft are remotely piloted directly from the dispatch center by trained telecommunicators.
Telecommunicators are already responsible for gathering and relaying critical data during emergencies; the DFR program extends these capabilities by equipping personnel with an advanced aerial tool to safeguard responders during qualifying incidents.
ACDC telecommunicators selected for the program must successfully complete specialized training prior to flight operations. This curriculum encompasses Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, aircraft mechanics, agency protocols, safety standards, and hands-on flight instruction
Supporting Emergency Responders
The DFR Program provides an aerial perspective to assist responders in evaluating conditions before and during an incident. Depending on the circumstances, real-time aerial information can help responders:
- Assess the size and scope of an incident
- Observe conditions from a safe aerial perspective
- Identify potential hazards or areas of concern
- Improve situational awareness while responding
- Deliver critical information to personnel on the ground
The DFR aircraft serves as an additional resource for public safety personnel. It is designed to support, not replace, boots on the ground.
Fire Response and Size-Up
A primary application of the ACDC DFR Program is enhancing fire department response capabilities.
During qualifying fire-related calls for service, the aircraft deploys immediately to provide responding crews with a real-time aerial view of the incident. This advanced perspective delivers critical data regarding the size, scope, and environmental conditions of the location, significantly streamlining the initial size-up.
By supplying this intelligence while en route, the program equips incident commanders and responders with vital situational awareness prior to their arrival on scene.
Technology Supporting Public Safety
The DFR Program leverages remotely operated unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to deliver real-time telemetry and aerial intelligence to ACDC and responding public safety agencies.
Operated by trained, authorized personnel, the aircraft functions strictly in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws and regulations.
As emerging technology continuously drives new efficiencies in communication and situational awareness, the DFR Program underscores ACDC’s commitment to responsibly evaluating and implementing innovation that safeguards both the community and emergency responders.
Training, Safety, and Responsible Operations
Safety and operational integrity are the core foundations of the ACDC DFR Program.
Personnel authorized to pilot the Skydio X10 Drone must complete specialized training and demonstrate rigorous technical proficiency before participating in active operational deployments.
To ensure the highest standards of safety, the ACDC program integrates:
Regulatory Compliance: Strict adherence to applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications and operational requirements.
Specialized Training: Comprehensive instruction covering advanced aircraft mechanics and remote operations.
Practical Experience: Extensive hands-on flight instruction and scenario-based training.
Standardized Protocols: Strict deployment of operational, tactical, and emergency safety procedures.
Continuous Education: Ongoing training and recurrent proficiency evaluations to maintain pilot readiness.
Accountability Frameworks: Established organizational policies governing deployment criteria and data privacy.
Legal Alignment: Complete alignment with federal, state, and local statutes.
All DFR missions are conducted in strict accordance with FAA mandates, Illinois state law, local regulations, and internal ACDC policies.
Legal Compliance and Privacy
ACDC is dedicated to operating its DFR Program with the highest degree of responsibility, strictly adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local statutes.
The program is operated consistent with Illinois law governing the use of unmanned aircraft by public safety agencies, including the Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act and applicable provisions of the Drones as First Responders Act.
Illinois law establishes requirements and limitations regarding the use of drones by law enforcement agencies and includes specific provisions addressing certain Public Safety Answering Point dispatched calls for service. ACDC's policies and operational procedures are designed to ensure that DFR operations are conducted within applicable legal authority and for legitimate public safety purposes.
The DFR Program is intended to support qualifying emergency calls for service and emergency response operations. It is not intended to be used for routine or indiscriminate surveillance of the public.
ACDC is committed to respecting individual privacy and constitutional rights while using technology to support public safety and emergency response.
Privacy and Responsible Use
The DFR Program is designed to provide emergency responders with additional situational awareness during qualifying calls for service.
The aircraft is not used for routine surveillance of individuals, neighborhoods, or lawful activities. DFR operations are conducted for authorized public safety and emergency response purposes in accordance with applicable law and established ACDC policies and procedures.
ACDC recognizes that the responsible use of unmanned aircraft technology requires appropriate safeguards and accountability. The program is operated with consideration for privacy, civil liberties, and the legal limitations governing the use of drones.
Information collected during DFR operations is handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and established policies regarding the collection, retention, use, and disclosure of information.
ACDC will continue to review its policies and procedures as technology, operational needs, and applicable laws evolve.
Working Together
The DFR Program is a collaborative initiative between ACDC, the Addison Police Department, and the Addison Fire Protection District.
ACDC remains committed to supporting our communities and emergency personnel by championing innovative, responsible solutions that enhance public safety communications and incident response.
A Commitment to Innovation and Public Safety
The ACDC mission is to deliver superior service while prioritizing the safety and operational needs of the communities and emergency personnel we serve. The DFR Program exemplifies how ACDC responsibly leverages technology to enhance emergency response operations.
The DFR Program is one example of how ACDC is responsibly using technology to support emergency response. By combining the skills of trained telecommunicators with advanced unmanned aircraft technology, the program provides another resource to help responders make informed decisions during critical incidents.
ACDC remains committed to responsible operations, ongoing training, legal compliance, privacy considerations, and collaboration with our public safety partners as the program continues to develop.
Answering the Call, Protecting the Community.