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Police, fire, and search-and-rescue teams putting drones to work when minutes matter.

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Arizona Teen’s Drone Business Reunites Lost Pets with Families Using Thermal Imaging
DJI

Arizona Teen’s Drone Business Reunites Lost Pets with Families Using Thermal Imaging

In Mesa, Arizona, 18-year-old Maxence Pastore is turning his passion for drones into a lifeline for pet owners, using advanced thermal imaging to locate lost animals. Operating under his FAA Part 107 commercial drone license, Pastore’s business, TRACC Pet Recovery, has already reunited several families with their furry companions, showcasing how drone technology is revolutionizing…

Drone gets real close to the 4th of July fireworks
Legal

San Jose Deploys Drones to Combat Illegal Fireworks on July Fourth

On July 4, 2025, San Jose will launch a drone pilot program to monitor and curb illegal fireworks use during the holiday, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce fire risks. According to a NBC report, the initiative allows authorities to detect and prosecute violators with precision, marking a tech-driven shift in enforcement. Drone-Powered Enforcement…

Albuquerque Police Deploy Drones to Combat Bosque Fires with Advanced Thermal Imaging
Skydio

Albuquerque Police Deploy Drones to Combat Bosque Fires with Advanced Thermal Imaging

In response to a series of fires in Albuquerque’s Bosque, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has launched a drone patrol program to enhance fire detection and improve public safety. Following two fires in June and another on July 1, 2025, APD’s use of Skydio drones equipped with thermal imaging marks a significant step in leveraging…

California Police Use Drones To Track Illegal E-Bike
Police

California Police Deploy Drones to Stop Illegal E-Bike and Minibike Riders

California police are using drones to track down riders of illegal e-bikes and non-street-legal electric minibikes, transforming how cities address reckless micromobility. In Desert Hot Springs, a suspect fleeing on a minibike was followed home by a drone, leading to his arrest. Similarly, Irvine police used a drone to catch a teenager riding an illegal…

LAPD Expands Drone Use for Routine Emergency Calls in Pilot Program
Police

LAPD Expands Drone Use for Routine Emergency Calls in Pilot Program

On June 25, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Commission approved a new policy allowing the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to deploy drones for routine emergency calls, marking a significant shift from their prior use in only high-risk scenarios like barricaded suspects or explosives, according to the Los Angeles Times. This decision launches a pilot…

FAA Tests Drone Detection Tech in New Mexico to Enhance Airspace Safety
First Responders

FAA Tests Drone Detection Tech in New Mexico to Enhance Airspace Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is advancing drone integration by testing cutting-edge detection technologies near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, from June 16-27, 2025. This initiative, the third in a series of off-airport evaluations, aims to ensure these systems can identify unauthorized drones without disrupting aircraft navigation, addressing the growing challenge of over 100 monthly dron

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