Fraser — The Fraser City Council approved a public safety drone program Monday, authorizing purchase of enterprise drones, software licenses and training after extended discussion about warranties, training logistics, lifecycle replacement and national concerns about equipment origin.

Public Safety staff proposed purchasing a DJI Matrice 4 enterprise drone and a DJI Avata 2 mini for training and tactical uses, plus drone‑mapping software and training. Sergeant Matthew and Public Safety Director Gilles presented operational benefits — search and rescue, accident scene mapping, fire incident reconnaissance, tactical support and event overwatch — and outlined a vendor package that included initial mapping software and pilot training. The department said the training vendor would train up to 10 pilots and would provide a recertification process.

Council members asked detailed procedural questions about training (whether the trainer supplies training equipment or trainee fleets), warranty coverage for damage and loss, replacement life‑cycle expectations and whether the drones’ manufacturer (DJI) presents any federal security considerations. Director Gilles said departments already using DJI equipment have not been grounded and that, based on current federal guidance, agencies with existing DJI units would likely be allowed to continue operation if the federal policy later changes; the city could also buy extended warranties and parts locally from a regional vendor.

The 14th House Firefighters Association committed $5,000 toward the program. After debate about timing and funding the purchase, Council Member Shornack moved to postpone the item in order to gather warranty and lifecycle details; she later withdrew the postponement motion and instead moved to approve the program. Council accepted an amendment to fund the purchase from gambling forfeiture funds rather than the general operating budget. The motion to approve the drone purchase package with the amended funding source passed 5–1.

Why it matters: Drones can shorten response times for missing‑person searches and provide incident commanders with rapid overhead imagery that can reduce scene time and improve safety; the decision also raises procurement and long‑term replacement funding questions for the city.

What’s next: Staff will finalize equipment order, arrange FAA‑required pilot certification and vendor training, and return to council or finance staff with details about warranty coverage, life‑cycle expectations and how recurring software/license fees will be budgeted going forward.