At a middle school in New Hampshire, innovation recently took flight.
A law enforcement drone competition brought public safety agencies from across the region together to practice their skills, test new technology, share lessons learned, and strengthen partnerships. It’s a reflection of how public safety agencies across New Hampshire are embracing drone technology to enhance response and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.
A force multiplier for public safety
For agencies integrating drones into their operations, the impact is immediate.
“Drone operations help public safety for a variety of reasons. It’s a force multiplier. It gives us an eye from the sky that humans don’t have the ability to do,” said Captain Brian Trefry of the Nashua Police Department.
That aerial perspective can dramatically improve search efforts and situational awareness.
“Now we can send a drone up into the sky with thermal imaging and we can fly in a grid pattern. It’s so much more efficient for finding lost people,” Trefry explained.
Instead of deploying large numbers of officers on foot or in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), agencies can quickly cover wide areas from above. Thermal imaging and zoom capabilities allow responders to locate individuals in distress faster and more safely.
Supporting rural communities
Drones are proving especially valuable in rural communities like Mason, New Hampshire, where geography and limited staffing can present challenges.
Small, rural departments often perform searches for missing children or lost hikers across large geographic areas. Drones can deploy quickly and cover more ground in less time and with fewer people. This technology empowers smaller agencies like the Mason Police Department to act fast and efficiently when lives are on the line.
While it can seem daunting for smaller agencies to launch a new program, Mason built their foundation on the knowledge of other departments. Training events like New Hampshire’s statewide drone competition give agencies of all sizes an opportunity to exchange ideas, refine tactics, learn from one another, and strengthen relationships before real-world incidents occur. This kind of collaboration saves time for newer programs, inspires innovation for more experienced teams, and improves outcomes for public safety overall.
Connectivity is mission-critical
As drone programs grow, so does the need for reliable connectivity. Maintaining command and control of the aircraft — and streaming live video back to decision-makers — depends on strong, resilient broadband.
“With any drone operations, broadband through AT&T FirstNet is paramount with getting the drones up in the sky and staying connected to them,” Trefry said.
FirstNet’s reliable broadband coverage allows real-time video to be sent to incident commanders and partner agencies. That gives them the ability to monitor evolving situations and make informed decisions quickly. Whether responding to a missing person call in a wooded area or managing a large-scale event, dependable connectivity ensures drone technology can be used to its full potential.
Whether agencies are buying their first UAV or running a Drone as First Responder program, FirstNet provides priority and reliable coverage — turning innovative tools into operational advantages.
This piece is published in memory of Chief Kevin Maxwell of the Mason Police Department, who passed away in April 2026. 
