The North Bergen Police Department has officially launched Hudson County’s inaugural drone as a first responder (DFR) program using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into its public safety operations.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This is a historic moment for public safety in North Bergen. By adopting this innovative technology, we’re staying ahead of the curve, using smart, safe tools that help protect our residents and support our officers on the ground,” Mayor Nick Sacco said in a statement.
There are currently only four other municipalities in the state with this type of technology.
Spearheaded by Sgt. Sean Rahbari, a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remote pilot and member of the Hudson County Regional SWAT Team, the newly formed North Bergen PD UAS Division includes a team of four specially trained officers.
The program enhances situational awareness, improves response times, and increases officer and civilian safety without the high costs and risks associated with traditional aviation units.
The piloting software— manufactured by Paladin, a Texas-based company —operate within a 3-mile radius using LTE transmission.
While they can fly up to 400 feet, they are generally deployed at around 200 feet, responding in real time to emergencies prioritized by NBPD supervisors.
Each mission is recorded and stored in a secure database, helping document and analyze public safety responses across the township.
“This drone program is a game-changer for how we approach emergency response,” added Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual.
“We now have the capabilities of an aviation unit without putting a pilot in the air or dealing with the extreme costs and safety risks of helicopters—something that’s especially important given recent aerial accidents in the region.”
The initiative was officially installed one month ago and was funded entirely through criminal forfeiture funds, ensuring no burden to taxpayers.
With each flight using about 5 percent battery per mile and requiring just 25 minutes to recharge, the drones offer a rapid-deployment advantage unmatched by traditional methods.
“This program took nearly a year to get off the ground— from FAA licensing to implementation —but it was worth every step,” noted Police Chief Robert Farley.
“Our UAS Division is already proving invaluable in search operations, scene assessments, and supporting patrol units. We’re proud to lead Hudson County in deploying this kind of life-saving technology.”