Cities and counties across Tennessee are exploring how unmanned aircraft systems can strengthen police, fire and emergency management operations. To better understand current practices, challenges and opportunities, the UT Institute for Public Service’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service and the County Technical Assistance Service partnered with the UT Knoxville Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs to launch a statewide research study.
The study centers on a comprehensive survey distributed to municipal and county public safety agencies. It collected information about:
- Current or planned drone operations.
- Equipment, training and Federal Aviation Administration compliance.
- Privacy, community engagement and transparency practices.
- Barriers faced by departments not yet using drones.
- Decision making during emergency or high-risk scenarios.
The survey will help the team compare operational models, identify common challenges and document best practices across Tennessee.
Byrd to Retire
Herb Byrd, vice president of the UT Institute for Public Service (IPS), will retire Sept. 30 following 40 years of service.
Byrd began his career with UT Extension, serving nearly three decades in communities across Tennessee as a 4-H agent, county director and leader in agricultural and resource development. He later advanced to leadership roles within IPS and was named vice president in 2016 after serving in an interim capacity beginning in 2014.
During his tenure, Byrd played a key role in strengthening IPS’s mission to deliver training and technical assistance that improves the quality of life across Tennessee. His leadership helped expand the institute’s reach and impact, including initiatives addressing critical challenges such as substance abuse and misuse.
“Herb’s career reflects the very best of the University of Tennessee’s land-grant mission,” says UT System President Randy Boyd. “His leadership, commitment to service and passion for helping others has had a lasting impact in communities across our state.”
A national search for the next vice president launches in August.
CIS, MTAS Train Emergency Services
First responders in Tennessee stay up to date on technical training to help them sharpen skills to do their jobs, but opportunities for general classes are not as available.
Director of Health, Safety and Emergency Preparedness Dustin Housewright with the Center for Industrial Services (CIS) says, after a lunch with Knoxville Fire Department deputy chief, he learned that the department wanted leadership training, too.
Housewright developed the Leadership Fundamentals for Emergency Services training in collaboration with the Municipal Technical Advisory Service and another CIS program.
The pilot program had 40 participants from the Knoxville Fire Department, from the fire chief to first-line captains. More than 80 first responders were interested in the training, and a second session will be scheduled.