Grant Prposal

 Organization: Posse Bar Foundation 

Tax ID: 92-2470864 

501 ( C )( 3) status: Current-2026 

Contact Person: John Gentile, Vice President 

Address: 13093 Springdale Street, Westminster, California 92683 

Email: Johngentile8@icloud.com 

Phone: (714) 936-0186 

Grant Proposal

Advanced Drone Program for Public Safety

Submitted by: Posse Bar Foundation

Partner Agency: Westminster Police Department

Summary

The Posse Bar Foundation submits this proposal to secure funding for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art unmanned aerial drone system, aimed at enhancing emergency response, officer safety, and community protection for the Westminster Police Department. In an era where public safety demands are increasing while resources remain limited, modern drone technology can provide real-time aerial intelligence, enabling officers to make informed, timely decisions prior to arrival on scene.

This initiative directly supports the following objectives:

• Life-saving search and rescue operations

• Enhanced safety during suspect apprehension

• Improved fire and disaster response coordination

• Effective critical incident management

• Support for SWAT in dignitary protection planning and coordination

By funding this program, grantors will actively contribute to safeguarding both first responders and the public, advancing responsible and technology-driven policing practices.

Project Concept

The proposed program will deploy a next-generation public safety drone equipped with:

• High-resolution 4K video and advanced zoom capabilities

• Thermal imaging for night operations and search and rescue missions

• Real-time live streaming to command staff

• Rapid deployment capability

• Integrated GPS tracking and mapping

The drone will be utilized in high-impact scenarios such as:

• Missing persons searches

• Pursuit containment

• Operation in hazardous environments (e.g., fires, barricades, disasters)

• Monitoring large-scale public events

Organizational Background

The Posse Bar Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, and military personnel. Through community fundraising, outreach events, and strategic partnerships, the Foundation provides resources that enhance operational capacity, improve responder safety, and foster community relationships. The Foundation has a proven track record of effective local engagement and resource alignment for tangible impact. With 26 years of experience in law enforcement, including an assignment in Special Operations, I am confident that this acquisition will significantly improve departmental efficiency.

Statement of Need

Law enforcement agencies nationwide, including the Westminster Police Department, face growing challenges such as:

• Increasing call volumes and complex incidents

• Heightened expectations for transparency and accountability

• Elevated risks to officer safety

• Personnel limitations and budgetary constraints

Traditional response methods often require officers to enter high-risk environments without sufficient real-time information. A public safety drone system addresses these gaps by:

• Providing immediate situational awareness

• Reducing unnecessary exposure to dangerous situations

• Improving response times and outcomes

• Enhancing the quality of evidence collection and documentation

Without this technology, avoidable risks persist for both officers and the community—risks that advanced tools like drones can help mitigate.

Program Goals & Objectives

Our primary goal is to improve officer safety by minimizing exposure to hazardous situations through aerial assessment, while reducing the frequency of blind entries into high-risk areas. We aim to enhance the effectiveness of emergency responses by decreasing search and rescue times, increasing situational awareness during active incidents, and improving outcomes in critical situations. Additionally, the program will support safer public event management and emergency response coordination.

Public Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Acquisition

(A) Procure the drone system and necessary accessories

(B) Ensure full FAA compliance and complete all required registrations

Phase 2: Training

(A) Certify selected officers in drone operation (per WPD requirements)

(B) Implement comprehensive operational protocols and safety policies in accordance with department procedures

Phase 3: Deployment

(A) Integrate the drone system into patrol and specialized units

(B) Deploy in response to real-time incidents and emergencies under department-approved protocols

Evaluation & Measurement

Success will be measured by:

• Number of deployments assisted by the drone

• Reduction in emergency response times

• Documented instances where drone use prevented or minimized risk

• Search and rescue success rates

• Officer feedback and safety assessments

Performance will be monitored through reports that present quantifiable results and the effects of projects on their respective beneficiaries. Data collection will adhere to WPD's established "need to know" and "right to know" protocols, ensuring appropriate oversight and confidentiality.

Budget Estimate

The proposed law enforcement-grade X-10 drone carries a total estimated cost of $29,029.00

The breakdown of costs is detailed below:

• Drone: $15,726.00

• Battery: $369.00

• Speaker: $320.00

• Spotlight: $265.00

• Nightsense infrared attachment: $2,800.00

• Parachute: $4,000.00

• Skydio care plan with cellular service: $5,249.00

• Skydio online academy: $300.00

Sustainability Plan

The Posse Bar Foundation will continue fundraising efforts in collaboration with local businesses, sponsors, and donors, aiming to contribute $15,000.00 toward the purchase. Several fundraising events are planned, including the annual golf tournament scheduled for July 13th, 2026, in Huntington Beach, California. The Posse Bar Foundation respectfully requests $14,029.00 or a portion thereof to help offset the cost of the purchase.

Community Impact

This project is expected to:

• Protect lives, both civilian and law enforcement

• Strengthen public trust through transparent and safe policing practices

• Demonstrate responsible adoption of advanced technology

• Serve as a scalable model for other agencies

Conclusion

Funding this proposal represents an investment in modern, effective, life-saving public safety technology. With grant support, the Westminster Police Department will be better equipped to serve and protect, while the Posse Bar Foundation continues its commitment to those who safeguard our communities.

Respectfully Submitted

John Gentile (Vice Chair & Co-Founder)