UAS Webinar: Cohosted by Equipped and ASSUREd SAFE
A Solutions-Based Conversation: Standardized Training for First Responder UAS programs
Our recent webinar spotlighted ASSUREd Safe, a Mississippi State University program that serves as the national authority for credentialing first responders in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations.
The session walked through the structured, standards-based training and certification process that equips emergency personnel with the skills, regulatory confidence, and credentials needed to safely deploy drones in high-stakes environments — from everyday public safety operations to natural disasters to active search and rescue missions.
Attendees gained insights into how this nationally recognized program — aligned with FAA, FEMA, and NIST regulatory frameworks — is expanding standardized and accepted UAS Operator training and operations across first responder agencies nationwide.
Moderator:
Kara Dao, COO, JDC Events
Kara Dao brings decades of experience in facilitating conversations and moderating content for a large array of industries.
Co-hosts:
Hannah Thach, Executive Director, ASSURE
Hannah Thach is the Executive Director of ASSURE (The Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence), which was named the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Center of Excellence (COE) for UAS Research in 2015.
Hannah has worked in the aviation industry since 2006, where she began her career as a civilian Helicopter – Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII). She later went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Colorado State University and her Project Management Professionals (PMP) certification. In 2024, she received her Master of Business Administration from Mississippi State University.
Brandon ‘BJ’ McClenton, Associate Director, ASSUREd SAFE
Dr. Brandon ‘BJ’ McClenton brings a unique combination of experience to ASSUREd Safe. BJ began his work in the fire service in 2003 as a volunteer firefighter. Throughout his firefighting career he has served as a training officer, assistant chief, emergency medical technician and municipal firefighter. In 2008 he began working in outreach and adult education for Mississippi State University as an Extension Agent with his primary focus being agriculture and natural resources. As an Extension agent BJ was assigned as a strike team leader, tasked conducting agricultural damage assessments and coordinating disaster relief efforts across Mississippi.
Speakers:
Michelle Hanlon, Executive Director, Center for Air and Space Law, The University of Mississippi School of Law
Michelle Hanlon is the Executive Director of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi. She is the Editor-in-Chief of both the Journal of Space Law and the Journal of Drone Law & Policy, where she shapes discourse on aerial and extraterrestrial legal frontiers. As a key partner with ASSURE, the FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research, Michelle drives advancements in drone policy, from airspace integration to beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. She is also the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of For All Moonkind, Inc.
Michael Lighthiser, Deputy Chief, George Mason University Police Department
Deputy Chief Michael Lighthiser commands the Special Operations, Research and Training Division of the George Mason University Police Department. Deputy Chief Lighthiser has served with the department since January 2008, is a DCJS certified instructor and a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. Deputy Chief Lighthiser has commanded the department’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit since its inception in January of 2018 and is the chair of the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System (NVERS) UAS working group. Deputy Chief Lighthiser sits on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments UAS group, and is one of the founding members of the statewide UAS working group in Virginia, focused on advising elected officials on UAS information and legislative changes.
Jeff Pricher, Fire Chief, Scappoose Fire District
As Fire Chief of Oregon’s Scappoose Fire District, Jeff Pricher has driven advancements in fire and emergency response over the past decade. Under his leadership, the district provides comprehensive fire, ambulance, wildland, and special operations services, ensuring community safety and preparedness. Jeff leads Scappoose Fire’s comprehensive Special Operations program, building on over two decades of experience in specialized rescue and response. This program incorporates swiftwater and rope rescue, marine firefighting, REMS, and cutting-edge Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology. Beyond his role at Scappoose Fire, Jeff actively volunteers with the Hood River Crag Rats mountain rescue team and serves as Program Manager for the regional UAS program within the Regional Disaster Preparedness Organization (RDPO).