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Calera approves police drone purchase, highlights training and grant awards
Summary
Council authorized a drone purchase and accepted a $43,800 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant for extrication equipment; officials also highlighted recent active-shooter instructor training hosted locally and invited council observation of July training drills.
Calera — The Calera City Council approved a budget adjustment on July 21 to authorize purchase of an upgraded police drone, and accepted a $43,800 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to buy extrication equipment for the fire department.
Police and fire officials described the drone as having extended flight time, night capability and a manufacturer-publicized range of about eight miles. The police chief outlined operational uses including search-and-rescue mapping, aerial surveillance during pursuits and tactical support for high-risk warrants. "It can lock on a vehicle and it can stay on that vehicle... It's a safety issue in a pursuit as well as a tactical situation," the chief said.
Council moved and approved a budget adjustment to purchase the upgraded drone. The transcript records a motion and vocal approval; no numeric roll-call tally was provided.
Separately, council accepted Resolution 2025-38 authorizing acceptance of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant for $43,800 to purchase extrication equipment with no city match required. The attorney and a council member noted staff pursued grants quarterly and that staff member Non Conte undertook the application work.
Officials also highlighted hosting a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center instructor course for active-shooter response; city officers trained to become instructors and will run staff trainings using simunition on July 28–29. Council members and the public were invited to observe or participate.
Staff said the new drone and grant-funded equipment will be integrated into department operations and that they coordinate with surrounding agencies for joint responses and training.
Implementation specifics—purchase price, vendor and delivery schedule—will be handled by department procurement and reported in follow-up budget documents.
