Introducing the ASSUREd Safe Program: Elevating First Responder Readiness with Drones

Summary: ASSUREd Safe is a national program providing standardized UAS training, certification, and credentialing for first responders, ensuring safe, interoperable, and effective drone operations during disasters and emergency situations. Backed by FEMA, the FAA, and a coalition of universities, it equips agencies with hands-on skills, real-world experience, and up-to-date standards to enhance situational awareness and coordination across jurisdictions.

When disaster strikes - a raging wildfire, a devastating hurricane, or a search for a missing person - seconds and situational awareness can mean the difference between life and death. Across America, first responders are increasingly turning to a new tool in their kit: drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

With transformative technology comes great promise - and responsibility. That’s where ASSUREd Safe steps in as a national game-changer. 

What is ASSUREd Safe?

ASSUREd Safe is a non-profit, federated ecosystem providing standards, education, training, testing, certification, and credentialing for first responders’ use of UAS in public safety and disaster operations.

Think of it as the “gold standard” pathway - delivering structured training, hands-on skills, and meaningful credentials to fire departments, law enforcement, emergency managers, and government agencies nationwide.

Managed by the FAA’s Center of Excellence (COE) for UAS, ASSURE, and championed by Mississippi State University, ASSUREd Safe is a true national effort. 

Why This Program Matters

Before ASSUREd Safe, there was no single national authority to credential and standardize UAS training for first responders. This led to:

• Inconsistent practices and variable pilot proficiency
• Real obstacles to mutual aid between jurisdictions during major crises
• A shortage of qualified UAS personnel for urgent response
• No guarantee that operators and equipment meet technical and safety standards
  
  

ASSUREd Safe addresses these gaps, providing robust, credentialed training that works nationwide — and eventually, internationally. 

How the Program Works

ASSUREd Safe offers a range of accessible, practical training programs:

• Familiarization courses – Introductory online modules
• Skill-level specific flight courses – Hands-on practical training
• Instructor certification – For local agency leaders
• Standards development – In collaboration with NIST and other bodies
• Ongoing credentialing – Keeping pace with evolving technology
  
  

Thanks to FEMA sponsorship, many courses are free for first responders, making training accessible even for rural or underfunded departments 

A Network of Leading Institutions

ASSUREd Safe is powered by a coalition of universities and federal partners, ensuring cutting-edge training and research. Key partners include:

• Mississippi State University
• Kansas State University
• New Mexico State University
• University of North Dakota
• University of Vermont
• Sinclair College
  
  

Alongside the FAA and select industry partners, these institutions shape curriculum, lead research, and maintain safety and effectiveness standards. 

Drones in Action: Real-World Impact

ASSUREd Safe has already transformed first responder operations. Trainees gain:

• Mastery of UAS flight maneuvers and operational protocols
• Experience with disaster zone mapping and simulation drills
• Tools to improve situational awareness — e.g., tracking wildfires or locating missing persons
• The ability to coordinate with UAS teams across state lines
• Confidence that their skills meet the highest bar, backed by FAA, NIST, and academic research
  
  

Case in Point:
A West Virginia detective, trained by ASSUREd Safe, says:

“We use drones for suspect apprehensions, search-and-rescue missions, disaster recovery, and crash reconstruction. The drone is no longer a futuristic add-on; it’s an essential emergency tool.”

First responders have already applied their skills to launch new UAS programs, strengthen existing ones, and support real-world disaster responses.

Standards, Safety, and the Future

ASSUREd Safe isn’t just preparing agencies for today’s emergencies - it’s future-proofing them.

• Training evolves with emerging standards and technology
• Operators stay current with FAA, FEMA, and NIST requirements
• Agencies provide feedback to shape new courses and certification tracks
  
  

This ensures consistent, safe, and interoperable UAS operations nationwide. 

Key Takeaways

• Critical gap filled: ASSUREd Safe standardizes UAS training and credentials for first responders.
• Safety first: Standards-based training enables interoperability and mutual aid readiness.
• Hands-on, scenario-based courses: Agencies can use drones effectively for rescue, recovery, and situational awareness.
• Accessibility: FEMA sponsorship ensures even small, rural departments are equipped.
• Collaborative network: Major universities and federal partners drive innovation and real-world readiness.
  
  

Looking Ahead

ASSUREd Safe is more than a program - it’s a movement.

As drone technology advances, the program will continue to expand course offerings, refine certification tracks, and strengthen collaboration across academia, federal agencies, industry, and first responders.

ASSUREd Safe’s goal is to make every first responder UAS operator safer, smarter, and more connected than ever.