CAR Recap Summary UASI - Drones FY26 2-17-2026.docx

CITY OF BUCKEYE 
                                                           Finance Department                   
 
530 E Monroe Ave. • Buckeye, Arizona 85326 
Phone 623-349-6165 • www.buckeyeaz.gov 
 
Arizona Dept. of Homeland Security – FY 2025 Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) 
Summary Recap – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System 
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 
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.  
Project Cost 
 $ 525,000.00  
 
Required Match  
 $ 0 
 
 
Grant Amount  
 $ 525,000.00 
 
Plans Once Grant Expires:  
 Future equipment needs will become a part of the annual budget unless future grant opportunities 
arise. 
Objectives and Expected Outcomes  
 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.  
Time Period for the Grant 
 FY 2026