Southern’s Drone Academy is at the forefront of training first responders to harness cutting-edge technology.
Offered through the Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning (OWLL), Southern’s Drone Academy is a five-module, non-credit program designed for both enthusiastic hobbyists and working professionals. The program provides comprehensive training in drone operation, aerial photography and videography, FAA-certification exam preparation, and advanced topics like computational photography and 3D mapping.
Cindy Simoneau, coordinator of Southern’s Drone Academy, highlighted the growing demand for drone training during a recent interview with NBC Connecticut.
“We are seeing more interest than ever before from departments looking to integrate drones into their operations,” Simoneau explained. She predicts that as the technology becomes more advanced and affordable, every department in the state will soon incorporate drones into their toolkit.
So far, the use of drones has rapidly expanded across Connecticut in 2024. The Connecticut State Police reported using their 11 drones in approximately 131 incidents this year alone.
