The City of Euless has officially launched its new Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, an innovative initiative designed to improve emergency response times and enhance public safety through the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Beginning July 2, 2025, the Euless Police Department will deploy drones in response to emergency calls, providing real-time aerial support to both police and fire departments. The DFR program allows drones to arrive on scene within minutes—often before ground units—offering critical situational awareness to first responders en route.
“This technology gives our officers a clearer picture of the situation before they even arrive,” said Sergeant Robert Provost. “It will improve both public and officer safety, in addition to improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.”
Drones will be dispatched from secure launch sites for high-priority 911 calls such as suspicious activity, disturbances, fire emergencies, and traffic incidents. Each flight will be controlled by trained pilots who monitor a live video feed from the scene.
The program operates under strict policies and legal guidelines regarding privacy, FAA compliance, and accountability. Drones will only be deployed in response to specific incidents and will not be used for general surveillance.
“We are committed to using this technology responsibly,” said Senior Corporal Tim Banigan. “This program represents the City of Euless' commitment to innovation and public trust.”
Established in 2018, the Euless Police Drone Unit has previously supported operations such as search and rescue, crime scene documentation, and traffic investigations. The DFR program expands the unit’s capabilities by incorporating rapid response dispatch, wider coverage areas, and advanced pilot training.
Chief Gary Landers stated, “The Drone as a First Responder program represents a major step forward in public safety. It provides our officers with real-time information, enabling a safer and smarter response. This is the future of policing, and we are proud to be leading the way.”
