Key Takeaways
- Wayne Baker, a retired fire chief with 26 years of experience in public safety, has been appointed as DJI’s Director of Public Safety Integration.
- Baker’s new role focuses on assisting police, fire, and rescue agencies in developing and integrating drone technology into their operations.
- Throughout his career, Baker has been a pioneer in using new technology in emergency response and has extensive experience as an FAA-certified drone pilot.
Wayne Baker Joins DJI to Enhance Drone Use in Public Safety
November 5, 2019 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drone and aerial imaging technology, has announced the appointment of Wayne Baker as its new Director of Public Safety Integration. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s support for public safety agencies across the United States, specifically those in law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency rescue services, which increasingly depend on DJI’s innovative drone technology to safeguard communities.
Baker, who recently retired after spending the last decade as the Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Joshua, Texas, has been a transformative figure in the fire service for 26 years. His expertise is particularly noteworthy; he was a founding member of the North Central Texas Public Safety UAS Response Team, collaborating with DJI to test and evaluate upcoming drone models and thermal imaging technologies before their public release.
A Vision for Public Safety
Grateful for this new opportunity, Baker expressed, “Joining DJI is a professional honor for me, and I’m thrilled to take on a role that allows me to continue assisting emergency professionals in adopting and implementing drones for public safety.” His passion for technology in emergency services shines through as he reflects on his extensive career focused on evaluating and deploying technologies that protect civilian lives and support first responders.
Baker’s role will involve working closely with public safety agencies nationwide to navigate the technical challenges of establishing drone programs, ensuring effective training, maintaining equipment, and optimizing operational capabilities. Over the past five years, he has utilized his skills as an FAA-certified public safety drone pilot to lead numerous fire, police, and rescue operations.
Industry Recognition
Among industry leaders, Baker’s insights and hands-on experience with DJI drones and systems have been recognized as invaluable. Romeo Durscher, DJI’s Senior Director of Public Safety Integration, highlighted, “Wayne’s expertise as an expert user of DJI drones has positioned him as one of America’s leading figures in shaping public safety drone training, deployment, and strategies.” His addition to the team is expected to benefit the entire DJI community by sharing his extensive knowledge in developing effective training, tactics, and policies for drone use in public safety contexts.
Making Technology Work for First Responders
Baker’s proven record in the field and dedication to enhancing emergency response capabilities sets a promising trajectory for the integration of drone technology in public safety. As agencies across the nation explore the potential of drones, Baker is poised to guide them through the complexities of adoption, ensuring public safety personnel can harness these tools to their fullest potential.
A photo of Wayne Baker is available for download at this link.
