Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of a $525,000 Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Application through the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for seven unmanne

4.N
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 10/21/25
AGENDA ITEM: 4.N. FIN - Phoenix
Urban Area Security Initiative Grant
through the Arizona Department of
Homeland Security Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle Systems
DATE PREPARED: 10/16/25
DISTRICT NO.: All
STAFF LIAISON: Rob Roach, Grant Program 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 Grant Application through the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for seven unmanned
aerial vehicle systems to increase first responder and public safety when responding to and/or
preventing emergency events; and authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and City
Clerk to carry out the purpose and intent of said Grant Application.
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
BFMRD is requesting funding for seven unmanned aerial vehicle systems to increase first responder and
public safety when responding to and/or preventing emergency events. Unmanned aerial vehicle
systems can be deployed rapidly and have the capability to assess the scenes of emergencies, distribute
fire retardant or water on fires, safely monitor a fire or Hazardous Material situation, aid in search and
rescue calls for service, deliver supplies to stranded individuals, and locate potential hot zones. The
unmanned aerial vehicle systems will also be utilized during events that draw large crowds, which may
be a target where explosive devices may be deployed to attack innocent people. 
BENEFITS:
The use of unmanned aerial vehicle systems by fire departments nationwide has proven effective in
reducing the risk of injury or loss of life for both firefighters and citizens during dangerous responses. For
the BFMRD, unmanned aerial vehicle systems provide critical preparedness in the event of a hazardous
incident or threat. They enable the collection of vital information and intelligence before personnel arrive
on scene, allowing for early analysis and cross-jurisdictional sharing to support the development of a
coordinated and effective action plan. 
FUTURE ACTION:
If awarded, the Grant Award Agreement will be presented to Council for acceptance and approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Federal grant portion is $525,000. There is no match required for this Grant.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
$525,000 if awarded in FY26.
BUDGETED:
Yes

FISCAL YEAR:
2026 and maybe 2027, depending on when Buckeye receives the award notification, if awarded.
FUND/DEPARTMENT:
35742140-541070/Fire
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
CAR Recap Summary Application_Drones.docx
UASI Project Summary Sheet UAVs request.docx