Event Held In Hampton Roads, VA

The second in a series of Statewide Regional Public Safety UAS workshops was held Wednesday at Patrick Henry Airport. The Virginia Unmanned Systems Center at CIT in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security are holding regional workshops across the state to assure Public Safety professionals are aware of the new innovations, regulations, and opportunities surrounding unmanned systems.

"These workshops are an important part of our continued engagement and discussion with first responders regarding UAS use and best practices," said Shawn Talmadge, Virginia’s Assistant Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. "The potential of these technologies to enhance Public Safety response in time-critical, life-threatening situations is incredibly valuable.”

Just last month, Virginia’s efforts in unmanned aerial systems business was recognized as the top spot in the nation for UAS innovation and expansion. “One of the things we have learned from industry growth, research, testing, and actual use studies is that the utilization of these systems by Public Safety professionals can assure faster, more comprehensive options for first responders to save lives and be situationally aware. We are delighted these workshops are so well attended and that we can facilitate these important, potentially life-saving discussions," said Tracy Tynan, Director of Virginia’s Unmanned Systems Center at CIT.

The free UAS Regional Workshops are for Public Safety Professionals only and include presentations, discussions and field demonstrations. They have been designed to build relationships between local, state, and federal agencies as they collaborate on UAS initiatives, innovations, and best practices.

The next UAS Regional Workshop will be held on September 18th at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, Virginia.

(Source: Virginia Unmanned Systems Center news release)

FMI: www.cit.org