The volunteer UAS program of the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition

When an incident unfolds, the fastest way to understand it is often from above. The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) UAS program puts trained volunteer drone crews in the air to get critical information to our Emergency Manager and agency partners faster, while reducing responders’ and volunteers’ exposure to hazards, risk and liability.

We call ourselves the Squirrel Team because our drones look a bit like flying squirrels. The name is lighthearted, but the missions we do are important to our neighbors and community.

Real missions, real impact

Flying since 2023, the Squirrel Team supports the City of Kenmore, the City of Lake Forest Park, Shoreline Fire and Lake Forest Park Police, serving a community of more than 100,000 people. Our missions include:

• Aerial overwatch for critical incidents and high-profile events

• Crime scene mapping

• Detailed documentation of critical infrastructure ahead of an emergency

• Construction progress reports for city parks

No two missions are alike, which is one reason our members keep showing up.

Volunteer-run, professionally trained

The program is managed and operated entirely by volunteers working within the Incident Command System (ICS). We are neighbors who love to learn new skills, train to respond and have fun doing it.

We train to a first responder standard because we work inside active police, fire and emergency service incidents. When we arrive, we are expected to integrate seamlessly and act as a force multiplier, giving command staff the critical information they need to make faster, better decisions.

Find your place on the team

It takes far more than a pilot to fly a mission. Every flight is a team effort, and there is a role for every interest:

• Ground Specialists own safety and operations on the ground. They set up the operations area and keep the launch site secure and clear.

• Air Specialists own safety across the entire flight zone. They serve as Visual Observers, watch for people, traffic and wildlife, and support emergency landings.

• Flight Specialists keep the mission running. They set up and check the aircraft, maintain it between flights and act as co-pilot during air operations.

• Data Specialists turn flights into usable information. They manage chain of custody, process what we capture and integrate it with partner systems.

• Pilots fly the aircraft and lead mission operations. They carry out the mission plan and deliver the information the incident calls for.

You train to the level that interests you. Whatever role you choose, we provide you with all the training and practical experience, so you can easily meet the qualification standard and be eligible to deploy.

Training that earns trust

You learn by doing. Our training is hands-on, mission-based and built on applied knowledge.

Members qualify by position, then by airframe and mission type as their role calls for. You start with one position, learn alongside experienced teammates and add new skills at your own pace.

From there, members stay current through regular training and flying, the same way the FAA expects of pilots, so they are ready when a mission comes. That gives our Emergency Manager, agency partners and first responders confidence that the team that shows up is ready, current and able to deliver what was requested.

“The training we give our volunteers is held to such a high, professional standard that first responder agencies are now adopting the same standards and processes for their own Part 107 training, and as their standard for agency certification under a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA).”

Dan Singley, UAS Program Coordinator, NEMCo

Come fly with us

The Squirrel Team is open to community members aged 14 and up who want to learn about aviation, flying, and give their time to help our community. No experience is needed, and we provide all the training. Expect hands-on flying, real missions and a team that enjoys the work.

General team meetings are the first Thursday of every month, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at Kenmore Fire Station 51 in Kenmore, WA. Come meet the team, see the aircraft and find out where you fit.

Questions, or want to learn more about the program? Email us at NEMCoUAS@gmail.com.