Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting

06/10/2026

We may have missed National Donut Day, but some things are too good not to bring back. 🍩

Here's a throwback to one of our favorite videos from last year with the Rifle Police Department. While we're usually focused on advancing public safety technology, even we can appreciate the importance of a good donut.

Better late than never, right?

06/10/2026

The Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting continues to evaluate emerging technologies that could enhance wildfire prevention, mitigation, and response capabilities across Colorado. While additional testing and validation are needed before operational adoption, innovative solutions like these represent the kind of forward-thinking research that helps us better understand the tools that may be available to protect communities in the future.

Thank you to CBS Colorado for covering this important conversation and for helping showcase the ongoing work to advance wildfire resilience and public safety in Colorado.

Wildfires are top of mind for many Colorado communities and homeowners. While residents are considering mitigation efforts, a wildfire protection company, called CitroTech, has now relocated its headquarters to Greenwood Village.

05/29/2026

The wait is over—the full schedule for the 2026 COTAK Summit is now finalized and available to view. 🎉

From hands-on training and live demonstrations to user panels and emerging technology discussions, this year’s Summit is packed with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and connect with public safety professionals from across Colorado.

Join us July 7–9, 2026, at Copper Mountain and be part of the conversation shaping the future of public safety technology in Colorado.

Registration is still open, but space is limited. View the full schedule and reserve your spot today at cotak.gov/summit.

05/04/2026

When your whole team shows up on the map in real time… That’s the Force working in your favor.

May the Fourth be with you. ✨

05/01/2026

April has come and gone, and we wanted to share some of our favorite moments this month.

✈️ The CoE participated in the annual Rifle Garfield County Airport Field Trip Day, giving students, families, and aviation enthusiasts the chance to learn more about aviation and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at airport operations. Our team brought uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to demonstrate how drones and other technologies are used in public safety.

📱This month, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control hosted a new employee orientation that included a hands-on COTAK scavenger hunt around Glenwood Springs, where the training was held. Attendees explored downtown while getting familiar with the COTAK system.

📡COTAK is reaching new heights—literally. The Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK) recently demonstrated that the Android Team Awareness Kit can now operate using T-Mobile's direct-to-satellite connectivity. This advancement keeps teams connected and visible, even in remote or off-grid environments.

It’s been a busy spring, and we’re excited about the projects ahead. Follow the CoE for the latest updates on our innovative public safety work.

04/24/2026

What happens when there’s no cell service but communication is critical?

The Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK) has demonstrated that the Android Team Awareness Kit can now operate using T-Mobile's direct-to-satellite connectivity, keeping teams connected and visible even in off-grid environments.

This is a meaningful advancement for responder safety across Colorado. See it in action: cotak.gov/pages/connectivity. 📡

04/17/2026

Thank you, Fountain Fire Department and City of Fountain Government, for having us! We’re thrilled to welcome you as part of the COTAK family and look forward to working together to create a stronger common operating picture in Colorado. 💪🏻