John Yeast is an esteemed public safety veteran with a career spanning over three decades of unwavering dedication.  Today, he serves as the UAS Commander for the St. Charles County Police Department, leading their regional, multi-disciplined UAS team. Additionally, he is attached as the dedicated tactical drone operator for St. Charles County Regional SWAT. John is the Director of Technology and Chief UAS Pilot at the St. Charles County Ambulance District. He initiated and cultivated their inaugural UAS team there, supporting the Region Urban Search & Rescue team and the Region Homeland Security HAZMAT Response Team.

John is widely revered as an authority in the realm of UAS operations. He initiated and spearheaded the establishment of the Eastern Missouri Public Safety UAS Working Group, convening over 30 local, county, state, and federal agencies to address shared challenges, strengthen programs, and host annual large-scale training events.  John actively contributes to the Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA), serving on the Leadership Steering Committee.  Furthermore, John’s pioneering spirit extends to education and training. He developed and delivered the country’s first Missouri POST-certified Tactical Interior UAS curriculum accredited through the Missouri Eastern Police Academy.

With his extensive background in public safety, innovative role in UAS operations, and unwavering commitment to training and collaboration, John remains at the forefront of utilizing advanced technologies for the betterment of his community and the public safety field.  Accumulating thousands of UAS flight hours throughout his career, John has responded to many critical incidents, while his steadfast dedication lies in fostering collaboration among team managers and elevating UAS pilots to the highest proficiency levels in their craft.