Honoring Excellence in Public Safety UAS

At this year’s Commercial UAV EXPO, DRONERESPONDERS had the honor of presenting the 2025 Eric Talley Public Safety UAS Excellence Award to Officer Matt Rowland, a 20-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department and a true pioneer in public safety UAS operations.

Named in memory of Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley, this award recognizes outstanding leadership in public safety UAS. Matt’s trailblazing work, including securing the first FAA Part 107 waiver for Drone as a First Responder operations without a visual observer, exemplifies the innovation, integrity, and impact this award stands for.

Matt’s dedication to advancing ethical, effective, and lifesaving drone operations has elevated the entire public safety community. His contributions reflect the spirit of collaboration and courage that DRONERESPONDERS was founded to support.

Congratulations, Matt, your leadership continues inspires us all and lift us public safety UAS!