The integration of advanced software systems in public safety has significantly changed how first responders operate. These technologies enable seamless communication, better resource allocation, and quicker decision-making. However, when these systems are not optimized, it can lead to disruptions during critical moments. A survey by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found that over 80% of law enforcement agencies have experienced technical difficulties in the field due to slow or outdated software. Furthermore, a survey by Motorola Solutions revealed that 74% of first responders view improved technology and frequent system updates as essential for enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies. This challenge highlights the need for continuous improvements and timely updates to keep mission-critical applications running smoothly.
Leading innovation in public safety technology is Mykola Kokalko, a Senior Software Engineer contracted by Drakontas, a company that provides essential tools to American emergency services. Through Drakontas, Mykola works directly on platforms that impact emergency responders. “The biggest hurdle in this field is ensuring the technology can scale rapidly without compromising its stability. Every minute counts when platforms used by emergency services need to be updated or expanded,” he explains.
Mykola spearheaded the migration of DragonForce, a public safety software system widely used by emergency response teams in the U.S., from traditional bare-metal deployments to containerized environments using Kubernetes. Highly valued for its ability to improve coordination among first responders, DragonForce helps these teams manage real-time data effectively during emergencies. This migration project is expected to significantly reduce deployment times, cutting the process from over three hours to just ten minutes, which is 18 times faster. This enhancement allows his team to roll out updates and new features to clients almost immediately, minimizing downtime and ensuring that emergency services have access to the latest functionalities. “We recognized that the traditional deployment process was too time-consuming and could lead to system delays during critical moments. By adopting Kubernetes, we’ve made the system more agile and reliable, which is essential when first responders rely on this technology to coordinate their actions,” he adds.
Beyond technical optimizations, Mykola has played a critical role in developing and integrating new security measures for DragonForce. His background in cybersecurity became invaluable for this project. During his time at Prezi, where he worked as a Security Software Engineer, Mykola gained extensive experience in managing security incidents and implementing effective response strategies. One notable case involved leading an investigation into suspicious files on a company server, where he organized log analysis efforts and collaborated with multiple teams to determine the origin and intent of the files. This deep experience in cybersecurity has enhanced the DragonForce platform’s resilience against potential threats, safeguarding sensitive information critical to public safety operations. “Public safety software needs to be reliable not just in its functionality but also in its defense against potential threats. We’ve integrated security measures at every stage of the deployment pipeline to prevent vulnerabilities,” Mykola shares.
In addition to his work on system optimization and security, Mykola is committed to technical training and mentorship. Contracted by Drakontas, he has conducted technical interviews for new Python developer positions, helped design IT courses on Python programming and web development, and mentored junior engineers. His background in applied mathematics, studied at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, has equipped him with a methodical approach to problem-solving. “My background gave me a structured way to tackle complex challenges, which has been essential in developing software for public safety,” he explains. This foundation allows him to confidently address the most demanding issues in public safety software. In 2019, he also gave a talk at a local Python meetup in Chernivtsi, where he discussed web socket implementations in Django, offering insights for developers working on similar projects.
Mykola views his work as an ongoing process, continuously learning and adapting to evolving industry trends. “Technology in the public safety sector is evolving rapidly, and it’s important to keep pace with these changes,” he notes.
As the public safety sector continues to rely more heavily on technology, maintaining system stability, ensuring rapid deployment capabilities, and integrating robust security measures will remain top priorities. The increasing complexity of emergencies and the growing amount of data managed by these systems require solutions that are effective now but adaptable to future challenges. By focusing on reducing deployment times and enhancing system reliability, advancements like those seen in the DragonForce platform can set a strong benchmark, helping public safety agencies stay responsive and prepared in an ever-evolving environment.
