Skydio CEO Participates in Ramapo Police Drone Demonstration for Rockland Chiefs
Ramapo Police Department Demonstrates Drone as First Responder Program
The Town of Ramapo Police Department in Rockland County, New York, recently hosted a live demonstration of its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, attended by all five county town supervisors. Skydio CEO Adam Bry was present at the event, which also featured participation from former NYPD officials and other law enforcement representatives.
Details of the Demonstration
During the demonstration, Ramapo Police Chief Danny Hyman showcased the DFR program, emphasizing its role in enhancing emergency response capabilities across the town. The department is currently the only agency in Rockland County with an FAA-approved DFR initiative, a distinction it has highlighted since the program’s launch in early 2025.
The live demonstration included real-time drone footage streamed to a large screen, illustrating how the program allows drones to reach incident locations rapidly, often within 20 seconds, and operate autonomously from designated docks.
Key Participants
In addition to Chief Hyman, notable attendees included John Chell, Tarik Sheppard, and Devin Ross, all graduates of the FBI National Academy. Chell previously served as NYPD Chief of Department, while Sheppard held the position of NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Both have experience in scaling the NYPD’s DFR program, one of the largest municipal deployments in the country, which also utilizes Skydio hardware.
Focus on the Skydio X10 Platform
The demonstration highlighted the Skydio X10, the drone model adopted by the Ramapo Police as part of their DFR rollout. The X10 is designed for quick deployment, weighing under 4.7 pounds and capable of launching in under 40 seconds. It can reach speeds of approximately 45 mph and has a flight time of around 40 minutes per battery charge.
The drone is equipped with a sophisticated sensor package, including:
- A 50 MP wide camera
- A 64 MP narrow camera
- A 48 MP telephoto zoom with approximately 128x system zoom
- A Teledyne FLIR Boson+ thermal camera for low-light operations
This advanced sensor suite enables operators to detect individuals from significant distances, enhancing search and rescue operations in various conditions.
Significance of Adam Bry’s Attendance
Adam Bry’s presence at the demonstration underscores Skydio’s commitment to expanding its presence in mid-size municipal DFR deployments. The event served as an opportunity for Skydio to showcase the X10 in a live public safety environment, potentially influencing neighboring departments considering similar investments.
Ramapo’s transition from Paladin Drone Base Stations to the Skydio X10 ecosystem signals a growing trend among American agencies seeking alternatives to DJI hardware amid federal restrictions.
Conclusion
The demonstration of the DFR program by the Ramapo Police Department, featuring the Skydio X10, illustrates the increasing importance of drone technology in public safety. The event not only highlighted the operational advantages of the X10 but also served as a collaborative platform for law enforcement agencies to share insights and strategies for effective emergency response.
Photo credit: Ramapo Police FB