Mathieu (Matt) Ricozzi

Matt Ricozzi is a seasoned Drone Operations Specialist and law enforcement leader with over 20 years of distinguished experience in the U.S. military and law enforcement. His expertise lies in the strategic deployment of advanced aerial technology, particularly in public safety, incident response, and large-scale event management. As an FAA-certified Part 107 drone pilot and technical police trainer, Matt has consistently leveraged his expertise in drone operations, incident command, and regulatory compliance to drive operational excellence in high-pressure environments. Known for his precision, innovation, and leadership, Matt has consistently delivered results while ensuring the highest levels of safety and adherence to FAA regulations.

In his current role at the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Matt serves as Communications Sergeant / Drone & UAS Operations Coordinator. He oversees modernization of the county’s public safety communications infrastructure, including the implementation of Motorola communications equipment for more than 40 municipal police agencies valued at $6.5 million, and the upgrade and expansion of 28 telecommunications sites across Westchester County, a project exceeding $150 million.

On the drone operations side, Matt has planned and overseen over 1,500 UAS missions since 2019, ranging from large-scale events and protests to search and rescue operations, natural disaster response, infrastructure inspections, surveillance, and crime scene documentation. His leadership in drone integration increased aerial surveillance efficiency by 65% and reduced critical operation response times by 25%. He also co-authored the county’s drone program policies and procedures, pioneered a countywide UAS training program, and developed an inter-agency curriculum that trained 15–20 police, fire, and National Guard agencies, resulting in a 30% increase in engagement and operational readiness.

Matt also worked extensively with the FAA to create and adopt a Public Agency sUAS Certificate of Authorization (COA), including Nationwide and Blanket Area FR-BVLOS approvals, covering Class D and E airspace under the jurisdiction of Westchester ATCT (HPN), Poughkeepsie ATCT (POU), Stewart FAA Contract Tower (SWF), Danbury FAA Contract Tower (DXR), and New York TRACON (N90). His ability to navigate regulatory frameworks, conduct comprehensive airspace risk assessments, and draft site-specific waivers has ensured safe, compliant, and effective UAS operations across diverse mission sets.

As the founder and CEO of SkyeTech Aerial, LLC, a Veteran-owned drone services company, Matt delivered specialized aerial solutions for more than 50 construction and industrial projects. His work enhanced project visualization, improved decision-making, and streamlined workflows by leveraging software such as Pix4D, DroneDeploy, and DJI Terra. From year-long solar farm mapping projects spanning 600+ acres to construction progression videos for major warehouses, his deliverables significantly improved client satisfaction and operational efficiency by tailoring solutions to meet specific project needs.

Previously, Matt served as a Patrol Sergeant with the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department, where he supervised officers, coordinated investigations, and optimized unit operations, including Traffic, Bicycle, and Marine. His leadership improved shift coverage, officer deployment, and community engagement, enhancing both response efficiency and public safety.

Matt’s career began with four years in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman Mechanized (11M), where he supported operations in Kosovo and Germany, gaining expertise in hazardous materials handling and mission-critical operations. This experience instilled the discipline, precision, and strategic mindset that continue to define his approach to leadership and operations today.

He holds numerous certifications, including FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, multiple crash investigation certifications, and advanced leadership training from the FBI LEEDA and NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services. His specialized training in drone technologies and software platforms further cements his position as a leader in aerial operations and communications modernization.

Matt Ricozzi is a results-driven leader whose career blends technical expertise, program management, and cross-agency collaboration. His contributions to communications infrastructure, drone integration, and inter-agency operations have consistently delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, safety, and mission success. As he transitions into his next professional chapter, Matt is eager to apply his skills in flight operations management, program development, and aviation innovation, continuing his commitment to advancing safe and effective aerial solutions.

EDUCATION

Westchester County Police Academy | Valhalla, NY

Municipal Police Training Certification, Police Officer

Westchester County Police Academy | Valhalla, NY

Police Supervision, Patrol Sergeant

CERTIFICATIONS

sUAS Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)

Federal Aviation Administration

Incident Command System (IS-100, 200, 300, 400 & 700)

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Supervisor & Command Leadership

FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association

Instructor Development Course

NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services

SKILLS

Public Safety & Operational Leadership: Program / Project Management, Team Leadership & Training,

Operational Risk Mitigation, Process Optimization, Budget & Vendor Oversight

Data Management & Reporting: Data Management, Reporting, Data Processing, Analytics, Metrics

Regulatory Compliance & Policy: CJIS, Policy Development, FAA Waiver & Compliance, NIBRS, Compliance

Tools & Software: MS Office Suite, Google Suite, Trello, ClickUp, Asana, Wrike, Slack, OnBase, GIS &

Photogrammetry

KEY PROJECTS

$150 M Regional Modernization: Delivered full interoperability and improved emergency communications for

40+ agencies.

Drone Program Rollout: Established county-wide UAS program—secured FAA COA (FR-BVLOS) and reduced

response times by 25%.

$6.5 M Communications Upgrade: Managed multi-vendor implementation, achieving 100%on-time delivery