Rich Gatanis began his public safety career in 2003 as a Firefighter, EMT, and HazMat
Technician with Southern Manatee Fire Rescue (SMFR) in Manatee County, Florida,
where he continues to serve today. Throughout his career, he has focused on leveraging
emerging technologies to enhance situational awareness and improve decision-making in
hazardous materials and complex incident environments.

In 2015, he developed SMFR’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program, integrating
remote sensing capabilities and real-time data collection into HazMat and special
operations response. His work emphasized not just the use of aerial platforms, but how
technology, particularly sensor integration and live data—can be used to support faster,
safer, and more informed operational decisions.

Since 2017, Rich has worked with multiple technology partners and manufacturers,
supporting public safety agencies nationwide in building operational programs, developing
policies, and implementing training frameworks that integrate advanced tools into realworld
response. His experience spans the application of unmanned systems, sensor
technologies, and data-driven workflows in complex and high-risk environments.

In 2020, he co-founded the Unmanned Tactical Group (UTG), providing advanced training
for public safety, government, and defense organizations, and in 2021, he helped establish
the Florida Public Safety UAS Coordination Group (FLOGRU) under
DRONERESPONDERS.org. This group leverages collaboration between public safety
agencies, industry, government, and academia in the state of Florida.

In 2024, Rich helped form the UAS unit within Manatee County Technical Rescue Team
(TRT-644), a deployable state and federal asset for large-scale incidents. He also serves as
President of the Tampa Chapter of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems
International (AUVSI), supporting the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics.
Throughout his career, Rich has worked at the intersection of public safety and emerging
technology, with a focus on integrating tools such as sensors, unmanned systems, and
artificial intelligence into operational workflows. His work emphasizes enhancing
responder decision-making, improving safety, and aligning new technologies with
established HazMat and Incident Command System principles.