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September 25, 2025
The Redmond Police Department (RPD) has been named the winner of the Aerial Achievement Award in the category of Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program Excellence. The honor was announced during the Aerial Achievement Awards Dinner and Celebration at Skydio's Ascend Conference.
Presented annually by Skydio, the Aerial Achievement Awards recognize outstanding drone programs and their mission impact across industries nationwide. “This award reflects the vision, leadership, and commitment of our team in building Washington's only full-time Drone as First Responder program,” said Police Chief Darrell Lowe. “More than just technology, it signifies real-world results that lead to safer outcomes for our officers and community. The recognition is a testament to the dedication of everyone at RPD who embraces innovation to enhance public safety.” Launched in April 2024, the Redmond Police Department's DFR program enhances emergency response capabilities by deploying drones to 911 calls. The drones arrive on scene ahead of officers, providing live aerial visuals that allow for faster, more accurate assessments. This real-time intelligence supports better decision-making, de-escalation of potentially volatile situations, and, when appropriate, the cancellation of unnecessary ground responses, preserving resources for higher-priority incidents.