Although FRDOA (First Responder Drone Operations Association) is newly formed as an association, it stands on the strong foundation built by Gridiron Training—one of California’s premier public safety training organizations. Gridiron has earned its reputation through years of delivering high-quality, real-world training to law enforcement and fire agencies from Crescent City to Chula Vista—literally border to border.
Our team is composed of Gridiron instructors and contributors from across the state—professionals who are experts in the field of UAV operations and committed to enhancing the capabilities of public safety personnel. Through Gridiron, we’ve helped agencies prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Through FRDOA, we’re bringing that same level of dedication to the rapidly growing field of drone operations for first responders.
As we continue to expand, our mission remains the same: to support and strengthen all of our public safety partners—fire,police, utilities, EMS, and search and rescue—with gold-standard training, resources, and community.
While FRDOA is a new initiative, it is built on the foundation of excellence established by Gridiron Training—California’s premier provider of first responder training for years. As a proud subsidiary of Gridiron, FRDOA carries forward the same gold-standard best practices and commitment to quality training that our colleagues across the state have come to trust.
FRDOA was created with a dual mission: to deliver top-tier training in the rapidly evolving world of UAV operations, and to serve as a hub for community and collaboration among first responders. Our team is composed of subject matter experts in UAV technologies and tactics, along with dedicated contributors from across California. Together, we are shaping the future of UAV integration for those who serve during natural and man-made disasters.
FRDOA is for all agencies and personnel—Fire, Law Enforcement, Utilities, Medical, and Search and Rescue—who respond when it matters most. Our advisory group is made up of seasoned professionals in both training and UAV operations, ensuring that everything we offer is practical, relevant, and forward-thinking.