Investing in Public Safety Through Training and Collaboration

Last night, I had the privilege of supporting a remarkable public safety training event right here in North Carolina — one that perfectly reflects the values I believe make communities like Oak Ridge stronger, safer, and more connected.

Hosted by Public Safety UAS instructors and supported by dedicated partners including The OMADA Group, Draxxon, and Aloft Technologies, the event brought together 50 police and fire professionals from 16 agencies across the state. Among them was our very own Oak Ridge Fire Department, who I was proud to personally invite to take part.

What made this event truly special was not just the scale or professionalism — it was the spirit behind it. Every instructor, vendor, and partner gave their time, expertise, and resources completely free of charge. No one was asked for payment. Instead, they showed up with the same commitment and quality you’d expect from a national conference, all with one goal: to leave our public safety professionals better trained, better prepared, and better equipped than they were before.

I was honored to pitch in behind the scenes — from helping manage scenario actors to making sure everyone stayed hydrated — and to witness firsthand the dedication of our first responders. The collaboration, skill‑sharing, and mutual respect on display were a powerful reminder that public safety is strongest when we invest in the people who serve.

Events like this are more than training exercises. They are investments in readiness, trust, and community resilience. They ensure that when emergencies happen — whether here in Oak Ridge or anywhere in North Carolina — our first responders have the skills, tools, and confidence to act decisively.

To PSU, The OMADA Group, Draxxon, Aloft, and all the agencies who participated: thank you for your commitment to service. And to the Oak Ridge Fire Department — thank you for representing our town with professionalism and pride.

This is what “For Public Safety, By Public Safety” looks like in action.

WFMY News 2 Story