Partnership aims to help cities deploy drones to 911 calls and modernize emergency response

The National League of Cities (NLC) and U.S. drone manufacturer BRINC have announced a national program designed to help cities deploy drones to emergency calls. The initiative focuses on expanding the use of Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs across the United States.

Announced in Washington, DC, the BRINC–NLC Drone as First Responder Program will help cities, towns, and villages evaluate and launch drone operations tied to 911 calls. The effort aims to improve response times, increase situational awareness, and support first responders during emergencies.

Local governments across the country continue to explore new technology to strengthen public safety operations. DFR programs have emerged as one of the fastest growing tools in modern emergency response.

“Every day, local governments deliver for their residents by utilizing practical, proven tools that help first responders do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “NLC’s partnership with BRINC ensures our members have access to trusted information and leading technology as they explore drone as first responder programs in their communities.”

How Drone as First Responder Programs Work

Drone as First Responder programs place drones in charging stations at strategic locations throughout a city. When a call for service arrives, dispatchers can launch a drone to the scene within seconds.

In many cases, the drone arrives before officers or firefighters on the ground. The aircraft can provide live video, two-way communication, and real-time information to dispatchers and responding teams.

This early aerial view can help agencies assess risks before personnel arrive. It can also improve coordination during fast-moving incidents.

Many departments have adopted DFR to support calls such as burglaries in progress, missing persons searches, traffic incidents, and large public events. The systems allow dispatch centers to gather information quickly while reducing uncertainty for responding officers.

A National Effort to Support Cities

Through the new initiative, BRINC will serve as the exclusive drone partner for the National League of Cities. The partnership focuses on education, direct engagement with local officials, and practical guidance for agencies considering DFR programs.

The organizations say the program will provide cities with implementation guidance and access to best practices developed by departments already operating drones.

“We are proud to partner with the National League of Cities to support local leaders evaluating DFR programs,” said Blake Resnick, Founder and CEO of BRINC. “Our focus is simple: build reliable, American-made drone systems that help first responders save lives. Working with NLC allows us to directly support mayors, city managers, and public safety leaders who are at the forefront of emergency response.”

The program also reflects growing interest in U.S.-manufactured drone technology for public safety. Many government agencies now seek systems that meet federal security standards and support domestic supply chains.

BRINC’s Focus on Public Safety Technology

Seattle-based BRINC focuses exclusively on drone systems designed for police, fire, and emergency response agencies. According to the company, more than 900 public safety agencies across all 50 states deploy its systems in daily operations.

The company designs and manufactures drone platforms that comply with National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements. Its products are built to support missions such as tactical response, search and rescue, and remote communication with people during emergencies.

BRINC states that its products are used by more than 25 percent of SWAT teams in the United States. The company maintains a vertically integrated supply chain and manufactures its systems in the United States.

The new partnership with the National League of Cities aims to expand the reach of drone technology across municipal governments. Both organizations say the goal is to help communities adopt DFR safely and responsibly.

If successful, the program could accelerate the adoption of drone response systems nationwide. Supporters believe DFR could become a standard component of modern emergency response in cities and towns across the country.

Cities interested in the initiative can learn more through the National League of Cities partnership program.