Nominations and Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open for the 2026 Eric Talley Public Safety UAS Excellence Award

The DRONERESPONDERS community is proud to announce that nominations and sponsorship opportunities are now officially open for the 2026 Eric Talley Public Safety UAS Excellence Award, a distinguished honor recognizing exceptional leadership and impact in public safety drone operations.

Eric Talley Award | DRONERESPONDERS

Honoring Excellence in Public Safety UAS

The Eric Talley Public Safety UAS Excellence Award celebrates individuals and teams who are advancing the integration and use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in public safety. This award recognizes those who demonstrate innovation, professionalism, and measurable impact in leveraging drone technology to enhance mission effectiveness, improve situational awareness, and better protect the communities they serve.

Recipients represent the very best of the public safety UAS community—those who are committed to operational excellence, ongoing training, and disciplined, ethical use of technology across law enforcement, fire service, emergency management, and related fields.

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Service

Named in honor of Officer Eric Talley, the award serves as a lasting tribute to courage, leadership, and selfless dedication to public safety. Officer Talley’s legacy reflects the highest ideals of professionalism, integrity, and service to others.

By bearing his name, this award challenges nominees and recipients alike to carry that legacy forward—embracing innovation while upholding the core values that define the public safety profession. It is both a recognition of achievement and a call to lead with purpose, responsibility, and commitment.

Award Recognition and Presentation

The 2026 award recipient will be recognized during the Day 3 keynote at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, one of the leading events in the UAS industry.

The selected honoree will receive:

• Airfare and hotel accommodations to attend the event

• Complimentary pass to the DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit at CUAV Expo

• Recognition in front of a national audience of UAS and public safety professionals

• Additional benefits through contributions from award sponsors

A full list of sponsors and contributions will be announced as the program progresses.

Key Dates

• June 8 – July 31, 2026: Nominations open

• July 31, 2026: Nomination deadline

• August 3, 2026: Review by selection committee

• August 7, 2026: Recipient notified

• August 10, 2026: Public announcement by DRONERESPONDERS

• September 3, 2026: Award presentation at Commercial UAV Expo

Submit a Nomination or Become a Sponsor

If you know an individual or team making a meaningful impact in public safety UAS operations, now is the time to recognize their work. Nominations are an opportunity to highlight innovation, leadership, and real-world results that are shaping the future of public safety aviation.

Organizations are also invited to participate as sponsors, supporting the recognition of excellence and helping elevate the profession as a whole.

Eric Talley Award | DRONERESPONDERS

Recognizing Those Who Set the Standard

The Eric Talley Public Safety UAS Excellence Award is more than recognition—it’s a reflection of the evolving role of UAS in saving lives, improving operations, and supporting first responders in complex environments. It honors those who are setting the standard and leading the way.

Submit your nominations and explore sponsorship opportunities today, and help us recognize the leaders shaping the future of public safety UAS.

Eric Talley Award | DRONERESPONDERS