Pivotal recently concluded a trio of public safety demonstration events across California, partnering with San Bernardino County Fire Department, Southern Marin Fire District (SMFD), and Cosumnes Fire Department.
Each event showcased the potential of Pivotal’s single-seat aircraft to dramatically improve emergency response capabilities, especially in locations where time, terrain, and traffic can mean the difference between life and death.
The demonstrations included technical briefings, onsite precision crewed flights, and interactive simulation sessions that allowed attendees to evaluate the aircraft’s handling, safety features, and operational fit. Fire and EMS chiefs, dispatchers, and field personnel explored flight logistics, dispatch integration, and use cases ranging from ambulance deserts to disaster response, highlighting the aircraft’s potential to close critical gaps in emergency access.
Ken Karklin, CEO of Pivotal, said, “Public Safety agencies need tools that help them respond faster, smarter, and with greater reach. Our aircraft offers a cost-effective, rapidly deployable solution that can extend the capabilities of first responders. We’re committed to working with fire and EMS agencies to deliver practical, life-saving solutions where speed and access matter most.”
“No runway? No problem.” That was the message from the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Pivotal’s crewed flight emphasized the vehicle’s vertical takeoff, stability, and suitability for emergency medical response missions such as whole blood delivery.
Shawn Millerick of San Bernardino County Fire, said, “Pivotal’s aircraft enables paramedics to reach patients faster—especially in cases where minutes mean lives, such as cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, or trauma from accidents or disasters. The ability to rapidly deploy with minimal infrastructure opens the door to faster, more flexible responses in complex terrain. And that has real implications for saving lives.”
At Hauke Park in Mill Valley, Southern Marin Fire District hosted public safety officials and community members for a live demonstration of Pivotal’s eVTOL aircraft.
SMFD Fire Chief Chris Tubbs added, “Vertical takeoff and landing aircraft represent a transformational shift in how we think about emergency response. Electric VTOL aircraft have the potential to take fire, EMS, and rescue personnel into places we once believed were only accessible by heavy-lift helicopters.”
In Elk Grove, at the William Perry Shultz Training Center, Pivotal collaborated with Cosumnes Fire Department on a scenario-driven demonstration tailored to EMS response.
Dan Quiggle, Deputy Fire Chief of Cosumnes Fire Department, added, “What we witnessed wasn’t just a flight demo—it was a glimpse into a future where intelligent, fly-by-wire aircraft systems support responders on the ground. That future is closer than many realize. This technology isn’t replacing fire trucks or ambulances—it’s adding a new layer of fast, flexible aerial response.”
