First Responder Drones & Sensor Classes in Elkader, IA.
November 14–15, 2026 | Clayton County Sherriff Office
Professional, hands-on UAS training designed for law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, emergency management, search and rescue, and other public-safety personnel.
Learn how drones, thermal imaging, sensors, mission planning, and UAS technology can be safely and effectively integrated into real-world public-safety operations.
Course Location Clayton County Sherriff Office
22680 230th St.
Saint Olaf, IA 52072
Course Tuition: $500
Does Your Department Need More FAA-Certificated Remote Pilots?
DroneXperts is offering our FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Training on November 7–8, one weekend before the First Responder course.
Attend both weekends and build the regulatory knowledge and operational skills needed for a more complete public-safety UAS training experience.
Part 107 + First Responder Training Package: $900
Regularly $1,000 when purchased separately — save $100.
REGISTER FOR FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING — $500
REGISTER FOR BOTH COURSES — $900
Developing a Collaborative Learning Environment
Our on-site drone sensor training program facilitates a collaborative learning environment where participants can share experiences, learnings, and best practices. This collaborative process allows for idea exchange and the development of creative applications of drone technology in emergency response. Participants are able to learn from each other's successes and mistakes and form a network of first responders dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence.
Partnership is not only within the training sessions themselves, where participants will often form lasting relationships leading to ongoing partnerships and knowledge-exchange programs. This community of practitioners is a valuable resource for first responders who seek counsel or support in implementing new technology and methods within their respective agencies. The partnership culture created through training is part of a continuous learning and adaptation culture required to maintain pace with the ever-evolving landscape of emergency response.
Embrace the Future of Emergency Drone Response Today!
The commitment to learn and adapt continuously is the sign of first responders who want to be at the top of their game. By investing in our comprehensive first responder drone training class and staying current with the latest technology advancements, emergency responders can rest assured they will be prepared for whatever tomorrow will throw their way. The integration of sensor technology into emergency response activities is a huge leap toward enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations, which means better results for impacted communities.
Enhancing Skills Through Professional Insights
Lessons learned and best practices from professional drone pilots and sensor technology experts are invaluable to the learning process. Our classroom training is conducted in person and features industry professionals who provide information and share their experiences. Our professionals provide insight into best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches in applications of drone sensor technology. First responders can learn directly from experienced professionals and remain current with the latest technology in the field.
These in-person courses also allow for networking and collaboration, allowing participants to interact with colleagues and our subject matter experts who share an interest in building emergency response capabilities. The exchange of ideas and experiences in this setting can lead to new concepts and methodologies that advance the use of sensor technology in the field.
The Impact of Sensor Training on Emergency Response
Adequate training in sensors can greatly impact the performance of first responders. Equipped with the training and capability to operate drones, responders can greatly improve response time, precision, and overall mission success rates. Sensor technology facilitates real-time data acquisition and analysis that enables decision-making very quickly. This can be extremely critical in a situation of life and death where time is the only factor
The ability to rapidly deploy drones equipped with high-tech sensors enables responders to gauge situations at a distance, putting them less at risk of potential threats. In addition to making the responders safer, it enables more efficient resource and personnel allocation throughout emergency response operations. Self-confidence that comes with intensive training ensures that first responders are better poised to handle any eventuality that may arise in operations.
Course Includes
Instructional Modules:
Face-to-Face: 10 hours of instruction + 4 hours of hands-on training over 2 days.
Online: 7 weeks, 2 hours per session (Wednesdays & Fridays).
Hands-on Training (Face-to-Face): Drone flight practice tailored to emergency response scenarios.
Interactive Learning: Practical sensor use for situational awareness, thermal imaging, and mapping.
Operational Best Practices: Mission planning, risk assessment, and FAA compliance.
Course Description
The First Responder Drones & Sensor Course equips first responders with essential skills for deploying drone technology during emergency operations. Emphasis is placed on thermal imaging, real-time mapping, search and rescue protocols, and managing operations safely within FAA regulations. Whether attending face-to-face or online, participants will leave with the confidence to integrate drones effectively into real-world emergencies.
Course Dates
Winter Weekday Course: November 14-15, 2026
Hands-On Public Safety Training
The two-day First Responder Drone & Sensor course combines classroom instruction with practical flight training and mission-based exercises.
Training includes:
Public-safety UAS operations
Mission planning and risk assessment
Thermal imaging and sensor applications
Search and rescue operations
Fire and emergency-scene applications
Law-enforcement applications
Night operations
Crew coordination and operational safety
Practical flight exercises and mission scenarios
UAS program development and operational considerations
Recommended Equipment
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (required prior to course start or approval)
Drone with a mounted camera (4K resolution preferred)
Thermal imaging sensor (e.g., DJI Matrice Zenmuse XT or equivalent)
Laptop with mission planning software installed (e.g., DJI Pilot, Pix4D, or similar)
Extra batteries and charging hubs for extended flights
Tablet or smartphone for drone control (compatible with drone software)
Landing pads for drone take-off/landing
Safety glasses
Carrying case for drone and equipment
High-visibility safety vest and drone pilot identification