Aerium and Influential Drones Complete Cutting-Edge Drone Training Program for Cambria County Emergency Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2025
Johnstown, PA – Aerium and Influential Drones proudly announce the successful completion of an advanced drone training program tailored specifically for Cambria County Emergency Services. Held from April 28 through May 2, 2025, at the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center, the program marks a major milestone in the two organizations’ growing partnership to modernize emergency response capabilities through unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The initiative was made possible through a grant from the DCED Community and Economic Assistance Program (CEAP).
This weeklong training, delivered by Influential Drones in partnership with Aerium, equipped law enforcement officers with skills to operate indoor UAS, allowing responders to safely gain situational awareness in confined or high-risk spaces. Grounded in NIST Standard Test Methods, the course emphasized both operator proficiency and tactical application in real-world scenarios.
“This training is not only about flying drones—it’s about saving lives,” said Dave Krause, CEO and President of Influential Drones. “By bringing this level of precision, standardization, and confidence to tactical responders, we are directly enhancing their capability to manage critical incidents safely and effectively.”
Cambria County Emergency Services responds to over 100 calls per year supporting hostage rescue, barricade situations, surveillance, and dignitary protection missions. This training marks a major advancement in the use of modern tools to support these high-stakes operations.
“I’m proud to support Aerium and this groundbreaking program,” said Representative Jim Rigby (R-71). “Providing law enforcement with the tools and training they need to keep our communities safe is a direct investment in public safety, and I look forward to seeing this training in action.”
Representative Rigby was instrumental in securing the grant that made this training possible, strongly advocating for innovative resources to empower local law enforcement.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in immersive instruction, equipment deployment, real-world scenarios, and credentialing in both flight proficiency and standardized testing—all aligned with national guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“This training represents a vital step forward in emergency preparedness,” added Tom Davis, Cambria County Emergency Management Agency Director. “We are committed to ensuring that our first responders have access to the most advanced tools and techniques available. This collaboration puts us ahead of the curve.”
“The transformation we've witnessed in our students over just one week of intensive drone training has been remarkable,” said Max Delo, Retired US Marshal and Assistant Instructor for Influential Drones. “Their progress underscores why specialized UAS training is not just beneficial but essential to any successful modern emergency response program.”
“This program wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships,” said Commissioner Tom Chernisky. “I’m proud of the way our county leaders and Attorney General’s office came together to support our emergency services. Coordinating this effort was a priority for me—because when we invest in the safety of our responders, we invest in the safety of every citizen in Cambria County.”
“We proudly work with Influential Drones in developing their cutting-edge measurement software used to quantify operator proficiency and calculate equipment readiness,” said Mark Hatting, Director of BlueMondayUSA. “Our entire development team understands that we are not just helping to upskill the capabilities of responders—we're fundamentally enhancing the safety and security infrastructure of the entire mobile robotics community.”
“This program is exactly the kind of community-centered, next-gen innovation that aligns with our vision at Influential Drones,” said Emily Hines, Vice President. “We’re proud to partner with Aerium and support a model where technology and training come together to empower local heroes.”
This initiative stems from a formal partnership between Aerium and Influential Drones, outlined in a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding focused on training, workforce development, and aviation safety innovation. Their collaboration continues to expand opportunities in remote pilot training, public safety integration, and aviation workforce pipelines.
Matt Crocco
Director of Communications, Aerium
matt@aerium.org
412.592.7061
Emily Hines
Vice President, Influential Drones
emily@influentialdrones.com
856.284.6079
Aerium is a philanthropic 501(c)(3) organization established to be a catalyst for change in the aviation sector, focusing on education, workforce development, and creating career opportunities for students in Pennsylvania.
Influential Drones is a premier provider of emerging technology solutions and a value-centric integration company specializing in mobile robotic (aerial, ground and aquatic) systems, aviation, education, commercial applications, and public safety offerings. The company maintains a focus on innovation and customer success, consistently delivering unparalleled expertise and support to clients worldwide.
