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ABOUT US

vehicle_drone_reflection_Screenshot 2023

ABOUT US

About Advanced Fire and Rescue Services (AFRS)

At Advanced Fire and Rescue Services (AFRS), we are driven by a shared commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of communities across Ohio. Founded by dedicated regional officials with a background and training in fire, EMS, and emergency management, AFRS was established as a 501c3 nonprofit organization under ORC 9.60 and other relevant statutes. Our mission is to provide cutting-edge emergency robotic solutions to government entities and components of our national infrastructure.

Our Roots in Public Safety:

Our journey began with a vision shaped by firsthand experiences at the state level, where we recognized the critical need for a timely, unified, and highly specialized emergency robotic solution. AFRS utilizes certified Ohio firefighters drone pilots who are licensed by the FAA to operate unmanned aircraft, ensuring that our services are delivered with the highest level of professionalism and expertise. Nestled in Clinton County, Ohio, we are committed to extending these invaluable emergency services to rural communities throughout the state.

We currently maintain equipment and firefighter pilots that can readily provide emergency robotic services to many different Ohio counties, cities, and villages as a shared emergency service.

Redefining Emergency Robotics:

Over the years, we have witnessed well-intentioned government drone programs face challenges such as inadequate planning, budget constraints, and the departure of trained staff. Often, these programs utilized consumer-grade drones where ownership and legal demarcation points were blurred, limiting their ability of a community to realize the full potential of a professional emergency robotic solution.

AFRS is on a mission to challenge this status quo. Our fleet includes high-end, public safety-grade robotic services, with each air and underwater drone meticulously covered and outlined on our insurance policy by serial number. We understand that the absence of proper insurance coverage can expose municipalities to liability, affecting government agencies, and pilots. AFRS ensures that all of our drones have the proper legal ownership, FAA registrations, and are properly designated for emergency robotic response.

A Governance Committed to Excellence:

AFRS operates with a governance model that reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence. Our organization bylaws mandate that all board members must be active or retired fire, EMS, peace officers, military personnel, or actively employed by a component of our national infrastructure. This requirement ensures that our board possesses a profound working knowledge of emergency field operations and a deep understanding of what it takes to achieve success.

Join the AFRS Network:

When municipalities team up with Advanced Fire and Rescue Services (AFRS), they gain much more than just a service provider; they secure a comprehensive solution to all their drone-related needs. AFRS takes pride in assuming full responsibility for every aspect of drone operations, leaving municipalities free to focus on their core responsibilities.

Here's what municipalities can expect when partnering with AFRS:

1. Expertise and Experience: AFRS brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of emergency robotics. Our team consists of certified professionals who are certified and have experience with fire, search, and rescue operations, ensuring top-notch service delivery.
 

2. Hassle-Free Insurance: We've got the insurance covered. AFRS maintains a robust insurance policy as a public safety organization (fire dept) that meticulously outlines each air and underwater drone by serial number. This ensures that municipalities are shielded from liability concerns.
 

3. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the intricate FAA regulatory landscape can be daunting. AFRS handles all FAA regulatory concerns, guaranteeing compliance and peace of mind for our partners.
 

4. Ongoing Maintenance: Our commitment extends beyond deployment. AFRS takes care of all required drone maintenance, ensuring that every piece of equipment operates at peak performance when needed.
 

5. Staffing Solutions: AFRS provides the qualified personnel required to operate drones effectively. No need to worry about recruiting, training, or retaining drone operators; we handle it all.
 

6. Public Safety Vehicle Operations: We operate and maintain the public safety vehicles equipped with our state-of-the-art drone systems, ensuring seamless integration into your emergency response framework.
 

By partnering with AFRS, municipalities can wash their hands of all things drone-related. We simplify the process and take on the responsibilities, allowing our partners to enter a contract with us and then simply call us when they need our services.

Join the AFRS network and experience the convenience and reliability of a comprehensive emergency robotic solution. Your community's safety is our priority, and we're here to support you every step of the way.   Call us today at 614-642-4900 (option 2 for admin) to schedule a demonstration for your community leadership.

Current Coverage Areas

Below is our current coverage area.   If you are a land adjoining jurisdiction we would very much like to expand our shared services into your region.

 

Call us today at 614-642-4900 (option 2) to discuss further.

AFRS Coverage map

DONATIONS

Thank you for considering a tax deductible donation to AFRS FD
Image by Matt C

VOLUNTEERS

YOU MATTER! Join AFRS and Make a Difference ​ At AFRS, we believe that many hands make light work, and your talents and wisdom can help us provide amazing emergency services to those in need. ​ We take pride in offering remote-friendly opportunities, respecting the time you dedicate to others. In many cases, you can volunteer from the comfort of your home. ​ Please note that all volunteers are subject to background checks and license verification where applicable.   Interested persons should send their resume and cover letter to todd.may@afrs.us ​ ​ Current Volunteer Positions Available: ​ BOARD MEMBERS Our bylaws require all board members to have active/retired experience in Fire, EMS, peace officers, military, or be actively employed by a national infrastructure organization (hospital, transportation, utilities, etc). ​ Board members should be able to: Effectively communicate Work remotely Participate in committees Promote AFRS Attend monthly meetings (remotely) ​ Board members can expect: Regular email communication Attendance at monthly online board meetings Acting in the best interest of AFRS Occasional attendance at functions or group meetings with AFRS customers/vendors Minimum term of office: 3 years The ideal candidate for this position would have prior board experience and uphold high moral standards. FIREFIGHTERS AFRS relies on Ohio certified firefighters to operate our public safety grade drones. Fire pilots should be able to: Perform regular firefighter duties.  - Waivers may be possible in some cases Work remotely without direct supervision Attend monthly meetings (remotely) Operate electronic devices and computers Hold an active Fire 1/2 certification Hold or obtain an FAA 107 pilot's license with night ops certification Have a clean driving record and valid driver's license Function in high-stress environments and dynamic situations ​ Fire pilots can expect: 12-hour shifts (0600-1800 or 1800-0600) No more than 36 hours of volunteer/work per week Exposure to elements and dynamic situations Rewarding training and experiences Life insurance and LOD benefits Disability/injury benefits Remote-friendly environment in many cases Leadership buy-in and genuine appreciation Live drone prophecy test ​ The ideal candidate for this position would be a certified firefighter who holds a FAA 107 license and NFPA 2400 training. ​ Considerations will be made to train up the right candidates to become drone pilots and obtain their NFPA 2400 training. ​ Candidates should also be passionate about their community and eager to learn new technologies that enhance public safety. ​ ​ DISPATCHERS AFRS recognizes the vital role that dispatchers play in our success. They are the "voice" that enables amazing things to happen within our organization. ​ AFRS dispatchers have the ability to work from home anywhere in the United States. ​ Dispatchers should be able to: Effectively communicate via voice, text, and email Have moderate or advanced computer skills Work alone and unsupervised without micro-management Adhere to policies and procedures Provide a stable/reliable internet connection from home Provide a stable/reliable Windows PC, Chromebook, or Android tablet Maintain a quiet background when handling telephone or radio activities Utilize web-based tools such as Google Maps, Open Maps, weather apps, chat, video conference, and others ​ Dispatchers can expect: Flexible shifts that suit your availability No more than 36 hours per week Fast-paced and rewarding environment Communicating with other government agencies on recorded lines Remote-friendly environment for anyone based in the US Leadership that truly values your contributions Making a difference in others' lives and enhancing community safety Regular training and one-on-one mentoring ​ Ideal candidates for this position include individuals passionate about serving the public and eager to learn new skills. ​ ​ SOCIAL MEDIA / VIDEO EDITING AFRS's emergency robotics capture a vast amount of data, including photos and videos that may need to be processed for marketing, fundraising, and training purposes. ​ This remote-friendly position is open to volunteers anywhere in the United States. ​ Social media volunteers should be able to: Perform post-processing of video content Interact with various social media platforms (TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) Process messages and respond professionally Review statistical data from each social media platform and relay trends to leadership Create slideshows or collections for gallery display or training purposes Resize, edit, crop, and alter images and video Attend monthly membership meetings Accomplish tasks without direct supervision ​ Social media volunteers can expect: Flexible schedules that fit your life No more than 36 hours per week Team environment Remote-friendly - Work from home ​ Interested persons should send their resume and cover letter to todd.may@afrs.us

Image by Andrew Gaines
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