Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
HERO Fund USA donates $10,116 to help Merriam Police buy replacement Skydio X10 drone
Summary
HERO Fund USA contributed $10,116 toward half the cost of a Skydio X10 drone for the Merriam Police Department; city staff said the new U.S.-made platform replaces drones restricted from repair and will support first-responder operations.
Mayor called forward the police department to present a donation from HERO Fund USA and an update on its drone program. Major Brokaw (police) explained the department had encountered federal restrictions that limited repair of its prior DJI drone and described staff's evaluation of replacement platforms, leading to selection of a Skydio X10 to meet operational needs.
Daryl Smith, CEO and co-founder of HERO Fund USA, told the council the nonprofit partnered with Merriam to fund half the system cost and presented a check for $10,116. "This thing costs as much as a good used car," Smith said, adding the equipment "will, in fact, save lives." Smith described HERO Fund USA as a privately funded nonprofit based in Blue Springs, Missouri, focused on helping first responders acquire equipment.
Mayor and council members thanked the donors and noted Sergeant Myers had the new drone available for council viewing. There was no formal vote associated with the presentation; staff and the council said they would follow up with training and operational details.
