REDMOND, WA- The Redmond Police Department has been named a finalist for the 2025 Lifesaving Achievement Award as part of Skydio’s annual Aerial Achievement Awards, according to a release from the city.
Those awards recognize and honor public safety agencies that use the company’s drone technology, which “has played a critical role in protecting lives and making a measurable impact.”
The release said that the winner of the award will be determined through a public vote through the company’s People’s Choice Award. Community members can cast their vote at skydio.com/vote.
In April 2024, the Redmond PD launched its first Drone as First Responder (DFR) program “to enhance response capabilities for 911 calls.” The program is designed to enable drones to be utilized on the scene before police officers, allowing for real-time aerial surveillance to assess incidents quickly and accurately.
“By doing so, drones help officers de-escalate situations, improve decision-making, and in some cases, cancel unnecessary ground responses, keeping resources available for higher-priority emergencies,” the release advised.
On May 7, 2025, the drone program was put into use when police responded to a reported missing, endangered 80-year-old man who had dementia and diabetes.
Officers conducted an initial search of the surrounding wooded area, however, the man could ot be found. The DFR was deployed, and only minutes later, they located the man safe and unharmed. Police quickly reunited him with his family, with the DFR program being credited for his being swiftly found.
“We’re honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Lifesaving Achievement Award,” said RPD Police Chief Darrell Lowe.
“This nomination reflects our team's dedication to innovation and saving lives. The May 7th mission shows how technology like our Drone as First Responder program can make a real difference in protecting our community.”
Drones have seen increasing use in law enforcement across various applications, including perimeter surveillance, aerial coverage of crime scenes and motor vehicle crashes, search and rescue operations, and criminal investigations.
They are a less costly alternative to air units using helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft, although they are somewhat limited in the amount of distance covered.
Skydio is a “leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight technology. Skydio drones are used by public safety agencies, utilities, and defense organizations to conduct safer, faster, and more effective operations in the field,” Redmond’s press release read.
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