Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $525,000 Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) application through the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for

4.E
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 03/03/26
AGENDA ITEM: 4.E. FIN - Phoenix
Urban Area Security Initiative Grant
Application - FY25 Buckeye Fire Medical
Rescue Department Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle System
DATE PREPARED: 02/26/26
DISTRICT NO.: All
STAFF LIAISON: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager,
rroach@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6165
DEPARTMENT: Financial Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $525,000 Phoenix Urban Area Security
Initiative (UASI) application through the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for the purchase of
seven unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAVs) to increase response time for public safety personnel
when responding to and/or preventing emergency events.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS: 
Innovative and High Performing Organizations
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The seven UAVs are required and necessary to conduct Hazardous Materials (HazMat), terrorist, and
mass catastrophic event response activities including the identification of explosive devices. The
Buckeye Fire-Medical-Rescue Department (BFMRD) currently has four older drones that lack current
state-of-the-art technology.
The requested UAVs have advanced wide cameras with zoom functionality, as well as thermal capability
to aid in identifying potential threats. The use of UAVs by fire departments across the nation have proven
to reduce the risk of injury or death when responding to dangerous calls. UAVs can be deployed rapidly
and can assess the scenes of emergencies, distribute fire retardant or water on fires, safely monitor a
fire or HazMat situation, aid in search-and-rescue calls, deliver life-saving supplies to stranded
individuals and locate potential hot zones. The UAVs can gather information and intelligence which can
be analyzed and shared across jurisdictions to assist in forming plans of action. In addition to the 642
square miles that contain the rapidly growing population of the City of Buckeye, BFMRD is called upon to
assist other jurisdictions.
If awarded, BFMRD will re-assess the equipment to be purchased depending upon the requirements of
the grantor and availability of products in the United States, including replacement components.
BENEFITS:
The funding will enhance efforts to prevent, contain and assess catastrophic events. BFMRD will deploy
UAVs in search-and-rescue calls for service, structural and commercial fires, natural disasters, HazMat
events, investigations and building inspections. As the westernmost city in the Phoenix metropolitan
area, with major arteries such as I-10, State Route 85 and Maricopa County 85 running through
Buckeye, it positions Buckeye to aid all Metro Phoenix cities during a terrorist and mass catastrophic
event. The ability to effectively and safely assess an emergency without placing first responders in
potentially dangerous environments will benefit multi-jurisdictions. BFMRD anticipates that due to the

rapid growth of Buckeye and its neighboring cities, calls for service will only increase, and the acquisition
of seven drones with state-of-the-art technology will assist greatly in providing for the safety of the
residents of Maricopa County.
FUTURE ACTION:
Once all grant funds have been expended, further expenses will become part of the Buckeye Fire-
Medical-Rescue Department budget and will be annually funded from the City's General Fund.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
The grant funds are $525,000.00 with no anticipated matching funds from the City of Buckeye. 
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
It is anticipated that the grant funds will be awarded next fiscal year with no impact to the current year.
BUDGETED:
Yes
FISCAL YEAR:
FY 2026
FUND/DEPARTMENT:
35742140
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
FY 25 Fire Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative Drones Grant Application.pdf
CAR Recap Summary UASI - Drones FY26 2-17-2026.docx