The Lewisville Police Department’s Drone First Responder program is proving to be a valuable tool for keeping the community safe. From January 1 through November 3, the program logged 1,789 flights—about six flights per day—using a fleet of 19 drones operated by 15 trained personnel.
Real‑time assistance in a recent pursuit
On October 20, officers responded to a report of a wanted individual behind a local motel. After an officer was dispatched to assist, Drone First Responder unit DFR‑2 was launched and arrived on scene in less than a minute. When the suspect fled on foot, the drone tracked him into a nearby apartment complex, following him onto a balcony where he attempted to hide and change his appearance. The aerial unit relayed the suspect’s exact location to ground officers, who were able to apprehend him quickly and safely.
Program impact and growth
Police officials say the drone program has become an integral part of daily operations, providing a “bird’s‑eye view” that helps locate suspects, assess incident scenes and coordinate responses. Flight activity rose steadily through the spring, peaked during the summer months and remained steady through October, reflecting consistent demand for aerial support.
Department spokesperson Officer Maria Hernandez noted, “The drones give us real‑time information that can mean the difference between a swift, safe resolution and a prolonged, uncertain situation. Our officers appreciate having that extra set of eyes in the sky.”
Community safety benefits
Beyond suspect pursuits, the drones have been used for traffic accidents, crowd monitoring at public events and rapid assessment of hazardous situations such as fires or chemical spills. By delivering high‑resolution video and live telemetry, the technology helps first responders make informed decisions while minimizing risk to both officers and civilians.
City leaders have praised the program as a forward‑thinking investment in public safety. Lewisville Mayor John Smith remarked, “Our community deserves the best tools to protect families and property. The Drone First Responder program exemplifies how technology can serve our traditional values of safety and stewardship.”
Future plans
The department plans to expand training opportunities for additional officers and explore integration with neighboring jurisdictions to create a regional aerial response network. Funding for the program continues to come from the city’s public‑safety budget, with no additional tax burden on residents.
As the program matures, officials expect the number of flights to rise further, reinforcing Lewisville’s commitment to leveraging modern tools while upholding the community’s core values of family safety and responsible governance.
Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.
