K-State Salina to Host Inaugural Drone Summit for First Responders in April
Kansas State Salina to Host First Responder Drone Summit
Kansas State University Salina is set to host a Public Safety UAS Summit on April 22, bringing together law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management agencies for a day focused on drone education and practical demonstrations. The event aims to connect public safety professionals with UAS experts, FAA representatives, and vendors involved in drone technology.
Event Details
The summit will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crisis City Regional Training Center in Salina. Registration for the event will close on April 8.
Presentations and Topics
The summit features a lineup of practitioners who have firsthand experience using drones in various emergency situations. Key presentations include:
- FAA Session: Covering Part 107 regulations, BVLOS operations, and emergency waivers.
- Story County Sheriff’s Office: Deputies Adam Luke and Mike Wittrock will discuss large-event drone responses based on their operational experiences.
- Lenexa Police Department: Captain Curtis Weber will explain the integration of drone technology as a standard capability in urban settings.
- Active Shooter Situations: Deputy Jason Grubbs from Story County will address drone deployment in active threat scenarios.
Vendor Demonstrations
The summit will also feature hands-on demonstrations from several companies, including:
- Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT): A full-service drone program provider for law enforcement.
- Motorola Solutions: Showcasing a public safety integration platform that includes drone data feeds.
- BRINC: Presenting the LEMUR 2, a tactical drone designed for hostage situations and active threats.
- SkySafe: Demonstrating an RF-based drone detection and mitigation platform.
Conclusion
The summit offers a unique opportunity for first responders to engage with experts and peers, gaining insights into the practical applications of drone technology in public safety. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions regarding BVLOS waivers and other operational concerns. The event promises to be a valuable resource for those interested in developing or enhancing drone programs within their departments.