Everett's Drone as First Responder program underway

EVERETT — On a Thursday afternoon in February, Everett Police Sgt. Robert Edmonds received a call about a house fire on Hardeson Road.

From 3 miles away, he got eyes on the scene in under one minute. Standing behind his desk at the Everett Police Department South Precinct, Edmonds launched a Flock Safety Aerodome drone with the click of a button. He kept an eye on the screen as the drone emerged from its dock atop the station and flew at 50 mph to the fire.

The drone is one of four the Everett Police Department currently uses as part of its Drone as First Responder program, which launched in October. Drone as First Responder programs have gained popularity nationwide in the past two years. Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration made it easier for departments to get waivers to operate autonomous drones. While some departments, including Everett, have been using drones for years, autonomous drones can get to a scene before officers arrive, sometimes clearing a call without a patrol resource.

https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/03/14/everetts-drone-as-first-responder-program-underway/