The Brea Police Department Uses DFR to Monitor Suspects Prior to Arrest

In a recent demonstration of how technology continues to strengthen public safety operations, the Brea Police Department utilized its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program to assist in the capture of credit card fraud suspects operating within the city.
When officers identified suspicious activity tied to an active fraud investigation, aerial support was rapidly deployed. Instead of relying solely on ground units, the department launched its DFR platform to gain immediate situational awareness from above. The real-time aerial perspective allowed officers to track movements, coordinate positioning, and make informed decisions while maintaining public and officer safety.
Aerial Coordination in Action
A Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) from Flying Lion assisted during the mission, providing professional flight operations support. With disciplined execution and adherence to established operational protocols, the aircraft delivered live intelligence directly to responding officers.
The aerial feed helped confirm suspect locations and monitor movements without escalating the situation. By maintaining overwatch, officers were able to coordinate their approach effectively and bring the incident to a safe resolution.
To view the video, follow the Instagram link to the post:

 

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Announcing Drone as First Responder (DFR) Remote Pilot Training

Flying Lion, Inc. is pleased to announce two upcoming Drone as First Responder (DFR) Remote Pilot Training sessions designed specifically for public safety agencies building or expanding DFR programs.

This program consists of a one-day in-person course, followed by three hours of dedicated 1:1 remote training with a Flying Lion instructor, including REMOTELY flying scenarios in FLI Town. It delivers focused instruction on the tactics, techniques, procedures, and regulatory considerations essential to successful DFR operations.

📅 2026 Training Dates & Location | 📝 Register Here: flyinglioninc.com/dfrtraining

  • March 16, 2026 – Brookhaven, GA
  • April 1, 2026 – Beverly Hills, CA

Both sessions provide comprehensive classroom instruction paired with scenario-based learning tailored to real-world public safety environments.

DFR instructor surrounded by public safety class.

Recent DFR Training Class

Course Overview

This training is structured to give remote pilots, supervisors, and command staff practical, operational knowledge they can immediately apply in the field.

Classroom Instruction Includes:

  • DFR program structure and operational philosophy
  • FAA regulatory framework and compliance pathways
  • Risk mitigation and safety management
  • Evidence retention and case law considerations
  • Tactical deployment scenarios (pursuits, perimeter containment, high-risk calls)
  • Communications and coordination with ground units

Practical Application:

Participants engage in guided, scenario-driven exercises designed around real call-for-service situations, reinforcing both regulatory discipline and tactical execution.

Additional POST Certified Training Courses

In addition to the DFR Remote Pilot Training, Flying Lion also offers additional POST certified training courses tailored for public safety UAS programs. These courses are designed to strengthen operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and tactical integration within law enforcement and public safety environments.

Agencies interested in expanding their training portfolio are encouraged to inquire about available POST-certified offerings.

Early Bird Special

Those who register early are eligible for a special Early Bird rate, offering discounted tuition for advance sign-ups. Agencies are encouraged to secure seats as soon as possible to take advantage of this savings opportunity.

Space is limited for both locations.

To view full course details and secure your seat, visit:
https://flyinglioninc.com/dfrtraining/

 

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Advancing Rail Security Along the Alameda Corridor

Security along critical freight corridors requires more than visibility — it requires coordination, technology, and disciplined execution. Along the Alameda Corridor, where cargo moves daily between major ports and the national rail network, maintaining operational integrity is essential to protecting commerce and public safety.

ABL’s recent spotlight highlights how strategic partnerships are strengthening freight rail protection in real-world conditions. Through collaboration with experienced aviation and security professionals, enhanced aerial awareness and rapid response capabilities are being integrated into rail operations.

That’s why the Alameda Belt Line (ABL) is spotlighting the work of its security partner — Flying Lion, Inc. (FLI) — and invites you to follow the link to see the full post and watch the video.

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Independent But Not Alone

 

At Flying Lion, we operate on a simple principle: make Public Safety Operators safer and more cost-effective by unlocking the full potential of drone technology.
With nearly 100,000 DFR missions, completed over the last decade, we don’t just understand the landscape – we helped build it (Thank You – Chula Vista Police Department). We aren’t here to sell you a specific system; we are here to provide the end-to-end operational solutions that maximize your uptime and community impact.
Why Partner with Flying Lion?

  • Platform Agnostic: We are independent but connected. We work across the entire ecosystem: AirData LLC, AVSS, Axon, BRINC Drones, Centinus, Dedrone, DJI, Draganfly Inc., DroneSense, Inc., Echodyne, Esri, FlightOps.io, Flock, FlytBase, Hex, ideaForge. MatrixSpace, Motorola Solutions, Nightingale Security, Nokia, Paladin, Parrot, Sensys Technologies, Skydio, TruWeather Solutions, Red Cat Holdings, uAvionix Corporation, VOTIX, to ensure you have the best tools for your specific needs.
  • The DroneBooth™ Advantage: Our fully self-contained, mobile BVLOS solution is a game-changer for temporary rapid deployments.
  • Remote Operations Management: From skilled pilots to on-the-ground technicians, we provide end-to-end operational support to maximize uptime, safety, and cost efficiency – we sell solutions not systems.
  • Operational Excellence: Whether you need DFR program implementation, remote pilot staffing, or FAA consultation, we provide the expertise to get you airborne safely.
  • Mission-Ready Training: We offer comprehensive Part 107 prep, NIST flight training, and specialized Remote Pilot programs.
  • Commercial Operations – Confined Space and Facade Inspections: Via our commercial division, Sky Ladder Drones, both municipalities and private companies leverage our services which include mapping, LIDAR, facade inspections and confined space inspections.

Our goal is to work alongside visionary leaders to bring evolutionary technology to their communities.

To those who serve their communities: Thank you for your commitment; how can Flying Lion help?

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The IACP Session went great!

Success Stories and Tactics: How Crewed and Uncrewed Aircrafts Can Support Joint Operations

Nice job speakers:
Craig Benz – Lt and Chief Pilot, Minnesota State Patrol
Barry Brennan – Police Reserve, Redondo Beach Police Dept./Flying Lion
Don Redmond – Capt. (Ret.), Chula Vista Police Deptartment
Lance Scott – Georgia State Patrol

For over a century, crewed aircraft have supported public safety operations, with some of the earliest uses dating back to 1914-1916. Fast forward to 2025, and drones have emerged as a powerful tool for both large and small public safety agencies. After years of debate and adjustment, many agencies across the country have successfully learned to integrate crewed and uncrewed aircraft on the same incident-with impressive results. Presented by the IACP Aviation Committee, this panel will share success stories and tactical insights on how coordinated operations between crewed and uncrewed systems have led to mission success.
Target Audience: Command Staff/Supervisors

Some photos from the session:

 

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Advancing UAS Operations: Steven Katz on the Beyond the Drone Podcast

Flying Lion Vice President Stephen Katz recently sat down with Desi Ekstein on the Beyond the Drone podcast to discuss the future of UAS operations, regulatory challenges, and how public-safety agencies can build safe, scalable drone programs.

During the interview, Steven highlighted several key themes that define Flying Lion’s approach:

✈️ Regulatory-First Mindset
Flying Lion starts with the rules—not the aircraft. Every program is built on a foundation of FAA compliance under Parts 91 and 107, ensuring safe and repeatable operations.

📡 Turning Waivers Into Real-World Operations
From drafting waivers to coordinating with ATC and supporting mission-ready deployments, Steven explained how Flying Lion guides agencies through the entire life-cycle of a drone program.

🗺️ Data & Geospatial Intelligence
GIS mapping, tailored airspace requests, shielded volumes, and risk-mitigation overlays are now essential tools for responsible and efficient UAS operations.

🚁 Preparing for BVLOS and the Next Era
As BVLOS and autonomy advance, Flying Lion is helping agencies stay ahead—aligning with emerging frameworks and building operational processes that meet both today’s and tomorrow’s expectations.

🤝 A Culture Built on Partnership
Flying Lion’s success is rooted in collaboration with law-enforcement agencies, ATC managers, FAA processors, and industry partners nationwide.

If your agency is looking to expand its drone program, advance toward BVLOS, or strengthen its regulatory footing, Flying Lion is here to help you build a safer, smarter, and scalable future.

Listen in to the full conversation on the podcast Beyond the Drone by Women and Drones.

 

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Oceanside Police Department Introduces Drone as First-Responder Pilot Program

The Oceanside Police Department has officially launched a 13-month “Drone as First Responder” (DFR) pilot program, a development recently covered by CBS 8. The program, approved unanimously by the City Council in April, represents a significant step toward enhancing emergency response efficiency and officer safety.

Aerial Innovation for Faster Response

Operating from a strategically placed rooftop location in downtown Oceanside, the drone can be dispatched to incidents—such as criminal activity, missing persons, or other emergencies—and reach the scene in about one minute, substantially faster than traditional ground units. It transmits live video feeds to responding officers and the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), improving situational awareness before officers arrive.(ci.oceanside.ca.us)

The program is being implemented in partnership with Flying Lion Inc., which has been working alongside the Oceanside Police Department to establish the DFR program. Flying Lion is staffing the rooftop site with FAA-certified Remote Pilots in Command (RPICs) and visual observers, ensuring each mission is conducted safely, in compliance with FAA regulations, and aligned with department protocols.

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Flying Lion’s Vice President Steven Katz Featured in AirBeat Publication

We are proud to announce that Steven Katz, Vice President of Flying Lion, has been featured in the latest issue of AirBeat publication. In his insightful article, Katz delves into the evolving role of drone technology in public safety and emergency response.

Katz discusses how drones have become indispensable tools for law enforcement agencies, enhancing situational awareness, improving response times, and ensuring officer safety. He also highlights the importance of integrating drone operations with existing emergency response protocols to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Drawing from Flying Lion’s extensive experience in deploying drones for various public safety missions, Katz provides real-world examples of successful drone integrations. He emphasizes the need for ongoing training and collaboration between drone operators and emergency personnel to fully realize the potential of this technology.

The article also touches upon the regulatory landscape, discussing the importance of adhering to FAA guidelines and obtaining necessary waivers to operate drones in complex environments.

We invite you to read the full article to gain deeper insights into how Flying Lion is at the forefront of drone technology in public safety. You can access the publication here:AirBeat Publication.

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Flying Lion Featured on FOX 11 “In Depth: Drones” Segment with Barry Brennan

On May 4, 2025, FOX 11 Los Angeles aired a compelling segment titled “In Depth: Drones,” hosted by veteran journalist Hal Eisner, highlighting the transformative role drones play in public safety and emergency response.

The feature included exclusive insights from Barry Brennan, founder and CEO of Flying Lion, Inc., a leading provider of public safety drone services across the United States. With over a decade of experience in the drone industry, Brennan has played a key role in pioneering drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs, which are now widely adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

During the segment, Brennan discussed the rapid integration of drones into law enforcement operations, emphasizing their value in providing real-time situational awareness, enhancing officer safety, and increasing response efficiency. “Drones are fundamentally changing how agencies respond to critical incidents,” Brennan explained. “From aerial overwatch to active scene support, we’re seeing real results in crime deterrence and community protection.”

Watch the full segment on FOX 11 Los Angeles to learn more about how drones are shaping the future of public safety.

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Press Release: Flying Lion Unveils FLI Town, the Nation’s First Dedicated Drone as First Responder (DFR) Training Center

Flying Lion Unveils FLI Town, the Nation’s First Dedicated Drone as First Responder (DFR) Training Center

FLI Town Provides a Safe, Remote Location for Uncrewed Aircraft Training, Testing & Collaboration

 

Redondo Beach, CA (March 11, 2025) – Flying Lion, Inc., a leading drone service provider, proudly announces the launch of FLI Town, the nation’s first dedicated Drone as First Responder (DFR) training center. Designed for real-world DFR training, testing, and collaboration, FLI Town provides a secure, vendor-agnostic environment with no ground risk and minimal conflict with crewed aircraft.

A Premier DFR Training Facility for Public Safety Agencies

FLI Town provides public safety agencies with realistic, scenario-based training to develop and refine DFR tactics. Agencies can participate in 20+ operational scenarios through Flying Lion-hosted or vendor-led programs, enhancing readiness in a controlled, safe setting.

Flying Lion has also secured an FAA Part 107 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver up to 400 feet AGL (with no human visual observer), enabling 24/7 remote training flights from any location with an internet connection.

“The goal was to find a safe location to train remote operators on real-world calls for service, and FLI Town is the solution,” said Barry Brennan, President & Founder of Flying Lion. “Thanks to our hardware and software partners, we have built a truly special training facility where remote pilots can train without being onsite.”

 

DFR Training Targets

Real-World DFR Training Targets

Real-World DFR Infrared Training Targets

Real-World DFR Infrared Training Targets

Real-World DFR License Plate Training Targets

Real-World DFR License Plate Training Targets

 

An Extreme Testing Environment for UAS Technology

Beyond training, FLI Town serves as an ideal testing ground for drones and supporting technologies. Situated in the California Colorado Desert, it provides an extreme environment for hardware stress testing, with 110°F+ summer temperatures, under three inches of annual rainfall, and 348 days of sunshine per year—perfect for evaluating drone endurance and reliability.

“FLI Town is such a unique place, and we’re honored to be a training partner with Flying Lion,” said Chief Charles Werner, founder of DRONERESPONDERS. “Having a dedicated, private location for realistic DFR training with minimal ground or air risk is invaluable—this is truly one of a kind.”

A Hub for UAS Innovation & Collaboration

As a 100% vendor-agnostic facility, FLI Town provides hands-on access to top uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) solutions, allowing agencies to test, configure, and evaluate different technologies.

Flying Lion is proud to have the following UAS-industry partners supporting FLI Town:

Training Partners

  • DRONERESPONDERS
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Sensor Technology

  • MatrixSpace
  • Tempest Weather
  • uAvionix Casia-G
  • uAvionix FlightStation

Hardware & Accessories

  • AVSS
  • DJI
  • IR Tools
  • Nokia
  • Rohde & Schwarz

Communications

  • Starlink
  • T-Mobile

Software Solutions

  • FlightOps
  • Kongsberg Geospatial
  • Motorola Solutions
  • TruWeather Solutions
  • Votix

About Flying Lion

Founded in 2014, Flying Lion, Inc. (FLI) is a premier drone service provider for law enforcement, public safety agencies, and municipalities. Specializing in Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations, Flying Lion offers on-demand drone air support, FAA regulatory consulting, training, staffing, dock installation and maintenance, and equipment leasing. With over 59,400 DFR missions completed—37,725+ conducted Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)—Flying Lion is a trusted leader in the industry.

To learn more, visit flyinglioninc.com.

About FLI Town

FLI Town is a privately owned training, testing, and collaboration center developed and run by Flying Lion. Situated in the deserted town of Eagle Mountain, California, FLI Town provides a controlled environment with zero ground risk and minimal air risk for Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations and training. Once home to the Kaiser Steel iron ore mine, Eagle Mountain was a thriving company town with over 4,000 residents and 400 homes before its closure in the early 1980s. Surrounded on three sides by Joshua Tree National Park, the site offers a secure, remote environment for cutting-edge drone operations and training.

To learn more, visit flyinglioninc.com/training/fli_town

 

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