FDNY’s Drone and Robotics Training Revolutionizes First Responder Safety on Long Island

When a parking garage collapsed in lower Manhattan two years ago, an FDNY robotic dog equipped with cameras bravely navigated the unstable rubble, sparing firefighters from a deadly risk. This life-saving technology is now at the heart of a groundbreaking three-day training program by the FDNY and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), empowering Long Island first responders with drones and robotics to tackle emergencies with unprecedented precision and safety, detailed by Newsday.

Life-Saving Tech in Action

The training, held at Fort Totten in Bayside, Queens, brought together the FDNY, NYPD, MTA, Nassau County Police, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and fire departments from Syosset and Mineola. Drones and robotic systems, like the FDNY’s camera-equipped dogs, are transforming how first responders approach hazardous situations.

“What these allow us to do is hopefully save the lives of first responders who cannot go into a treacherous collapse situation,” said FDNY Capt. Mike Leo.

From structural collapses to wildfires, these tools provide real-time data, such as aerial views and heat assessments, previously reliant on NYPD helicopters.

The FDNY deploys drones at every second-alarm fire or greater, including last year’s Prospect Park fire and the tragic April 10 Hudson River helicopter crash that claimed six lives. Suffolk County’s Sheriff’s Office, with 10 drone operators, uses them for tasks like locating missing persons and securing events like the Palm Tree Music Festival. “Drones have been a huge asset to us,” said Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr., emphasizing their role in evolving operations.

Scaling Up Skills and Standards

With 27 licensed drone pilots in Nassau County and 21 in Mineola, Long Island’s first responder drone programs are expanding rapidly. Syosset’s fire department, with five pilots and over a dozen in training, reflects the region’s commitment to this technology. However, the absence of a national standard for emergency drone use underscores the importance of FDNY’s NIST partnership.

“It’s now an essential part of the technology we use at all emergencies,” said FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker, highlighting the need for standardized training to ensure interoperability across agencies.

Drones enhance situational awareness, enabling incident commanders to pinpoint fire hotspots and direct water streams effectively. “It helps us see where the fire is and where we need to direct water to knock it down,” said Carl Nunziata, a former Mineola fire captain leading their drone program. This precision not only saves lives but also reduces property damage and operational costs.

DroneXL’s Take

The FDNY’s push to train Long Island’s first responders in drones and robotics isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a lifeline for heroes who run toward danger. Picture a firefighter, spared from a crumbling building, because a drone mapped the risks first. This program sets a gold standard for emergency response, blending cutting-edge tools with human courage. Yet, as adoption grows, regulators must act fast to establish national standards, ensuring every department, from rural volunteers to urban giants, can wield these tools safely. For drone pilots and tech enthusiasts, this is a call to innovate responsibly—because every flight could mean a life saved.

Photos courtesy of FDNY.