The Public Safety Unmanned Response Team North Texas (PSURTNTX) and Airborne International Response Team (AIRT) have signed an agreement of cooperation to support using UAS for public safety and emergency management missions.

Through the agreement, PSURTNTX—a Texas-based non-profit organization made up of UAS remote pilots from regional public safety entities—and AIRT will collaborate to develop emergency preparedness, response, and resilience capabilities between one another, as well as among select partner organizations.

The goal is to develop a “robust network” of UAS responders and geographic information systems (GIS) experts that can provide direct assistance and location intelligence during complex emergencies, rapidly expanding incidents, and major disasters.

“Increased communication and cooperation are essential to the successful deployment of drones and other unmanned systems in support of public safety operations,” explains Travis Calendine, chairperson of the Public Safety Unmanned Response Team North Texas.

“Our partnership with AIRT and the DRONERESPONDERS program will help bolster our capability to serve the North Texas region and beyond during times of significant emergencies and disasters.”

PSURTNTX and AIRT will also work together on community outreach activities and training initiatives. To provide better location intelligence to first responders and emergency management professionals, the organizations will also work together to increase the use of GIS tools in their product deliverables.

Several initiatives between the organizations are currently in the development stage, according to Christopher Todd, executive director of AIRT. One thing that is set in stone is that they will collaborate to support the DroneResponders Emergency Management and Disaster Forum at the Energy Drone Coalition & Summit on July 10 in Houston, Texas.

“It’s really about pushing out well beyond our respective comfort zones to make sure we are embracing the latest tools and technology in the unmanned systems space,” says Charles Werner, director of DroneResponders.

“This collaborative effort will help advance the public safety UAS sector in support of the Whole Community.”