Stamford Launches Drone Program To Support Emergency Response

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford will begin using drones through a program city officials say will improve public safety and response times to emergency situations.

Mayor Caroline Simmons announced the launch of the Public Safety Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program this week. It was officially launched Oct. 1.

The program was developed through a partnership between Stamford's 911 Emergency Communications Center, Fire Department and Police Department.

"This program represents a significant milestone in our ongoing investments in public safety," Simmons said in an announcement. "We are proud to be leading the state with technology that allows our first responders to assess situations more quickly, safely, and with greater situational awareness."

The drones will be deployed from sites in North and South Stamford, providing citywide coverage with response times of less than 90 seconds, officials said. The technology will stream live video to command staff and field personnel, giving first responders real-time awareness of incidents.

"Every second counts in an emergency situation," said Lou DeRubeis, Stamford’s director of public safety, in an announcement. "The DFR program is a valuable tool to get eyes on the scene before first responders arrive, which ultimately leads to smarter and safer outcomes. Having aerial situational intelligence in those first critical moments can make all the difference — not only for protecting our first responders, but also for saving lives in our community."

City officials said the drones will help assess threats, monitor unfolding incidents and guide resource deployment more efficiently. They also stressed that the program will follow strict privacy policies and will not record private areas without legal justification.

The city tested the system Sept. 25 during a training exercise that simulated a medical emergency involving a stranded jet skier in Long Island Sound. The drone quickly located the individual and transmitted live video to command units, which officials said demonstrated the program’s value in real-world scenarios.

The initiative is expected to be especially useful in monitoring rural terrain in North Stamford and along the city’s coastline, where traditional emergency response can be slower.

More information about the program is available on the City of Stamford’s website.