Skydio’s Drone as First Responder Center Revolutionizes Public Safety Training in Atlanta

In a groundbreaking move for public safety, Skydio has partnered with the Atlanta Police Foundation to launch America’s first Drone as First Responder (DFR) Center of Excellence at the newly opened Atlanta Public Safety Training Center (PSTC). Announced on Skydio’s blog, this state-of-the-art facility equips First Responders—police, fire, EMS, and E-911—with cutting-edge Drone Technology to save lives in high-stakes scenarios, from natural disasters to search-and-rescue missions.

A Game-Changer for First Responder Training

Spanning 85 acres in Dekalb County’s South River region, the PSTC is a massive training hub designed to simulate real-world crises. First responders can practice navigating complex environments—think train derailments, house fires, or high-speed pursuits—using Skydio’s X10 drones equipped with advanced sensor packages. These drones, housed in three Docks running DFR Command, integrate seamlessly with Axon Fusus systems, allowing responders to hone skills like flying through parking garages, using thermal imaging to spot fire hot spots, or locating missing persons. “It’s a transformation in how we collaborate and how we serve,” said Atlanta Fire Rescue Chief Roderick M. Smith.

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Why DFR Matters for Public Safety

Drone as First Responder programs are surging nationwide as agencies recognize their potential to act faster and safer. Drones can fly through tight spaces, dodge obstacles, and relay critical data in seconds—time that can mean life or death. The Atlanta center trains responders to master these skills in realistic settings, ensuring they’re ready for anything. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp emphasized the broader impact: “The Public Safety Training Center reflects a shared goal, making our community safer while standing firmly behind those who are there to protect.”

Open to All: A National Training Hub

Skydio’s vision extends beyond Atlanta. The DFR Center welcomes public safety agencies, prospective customers, and even non-public-safety drone users from across the Southeast and beyond. Hands-on training sessions will begin soon, with remote flight capabilities via DFR Command or Skydio Remote Ops launching this summer. From anywhere in the world, users can pilot an X10 drone using just a browser, democratizing access to elite training. Atlanta Police Department Chief Darin Schierbaum called the PSTC a “generational need” met for the city’s infrastructure.

DroneXL’s Take: Drones as Lifesavers, Not Just Tools

Skydio’s DFR Center is a bold step for public safety, training heroes to use drones in life-or-death moments—like finding a lost hiker or assessing a fire. But let’s be real: DJI drones still steal the show. They’re cheaper, easier to fly, and packed with better cameras, AI-powered features and longer flight times, making them the smarter pick for cash-strapped agencies. Skydio’s pricey Blue sUAS drones and battery restrictions—capped at one per drone—can’t keep up with DJI’s reliability and global reach. It’s like choosing between a flashy new gadget and a trusty old friend who gets the job done. Atlanta’s center is a win, but DJI’s dominance shows why it’s the king of the skies.

Photo courtesy of Skydio