Support a Drone to Aid Local Emergency Response

Local police and fire need a Matrice drone with thermal and zoom cameras

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$465 raised of $4.5K

Support a Drone to Aid Local Emergency Response

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Hi everyone, my name is Keegan, and I proudly serve our community as a local police officer and firefighter.

I’m starting this GoFundMe to raise funds for a DJI Matrice 210 V2 public safety drone system, including the thermal + daytime imaging camera needed for real-world emergency response.

Why I’m asking for help

In today’s world, drones aren’t just “nice to have” — they are one of the most effective tools for saving lives, protecting first responders, and locating missing people quickly.

Right now, many small local agencies don’t have access to a drone system with thermal imaging. That means during emergencies, we often have to rely on:
• Foot searches in dangerous terrain
• Long search times in the dark
• Limited visibility in wooded areas
• More risk to first responders
• Delayed rescue for the person who needs help

When someone is missing, time matters. Every minute counts.

Who this drone will help

This drone would be used to assist:
• Local police departments
• Fire departments
• Search and rescue efforts
• Neighboring agencies who don’t have drone resources
• Community members in emergencies

My goal is simple: provide a tool that can help our community without waiting for outside resources.

Why the DJI Matrice 210 V2

The DJI Matrice 210 V2 is not a hobby drone — it’s a rugged, professional public safety aircraft designed for:
• Bad weather conditions
• Night operations
• Thermal and zoom imaging
• Stable flight in wind
• Reliable long-range visibility

This drone can carry the kind of camera needed to truly make a difference:
• Thermal imaging to detect body heat at night, in brush, and in fields
• Daytime imaging / zoom to confirm what’s being seen and guide responders
• Aerial overwatch to reduce risk during dangerous calls

How it can save lives (real situations)

This drone could help in situations like:

Missing person searches
If a child, elderly person, or at-risk adult wanders away, thermal imaging can detect body heat in areas that would take hours to search on foot — even at night.

Fire response and rescues
As a firefighter, I know how dangerous it is entering structures or searching in low visibility. Thermal imaging from above can help identify hot spots, track fire spread, and guide safer decisions.

Locating animals
In rural areas, pets and livestock go missing often. Thermal imaging can help locate animals in woods, fields, or after accidents.

Officer safety and suspect searches
In high-risk calls, the drone can search areas without sending officers into the unknown. That means fewer injuries and safer outcomes.

I’m already licensed and trained

I am a licensed drone pilot and already hold my required certifications. This is not something I’m learning “after the fact” — I am ready to operate responsibly and professionally.

This is about giving back

I’m not doing this for profit. I’m doing this because I care about our community and want to provide something that can truly make a difference when it matters most.

If you choose to donate, please know you’re not just funding equipment — you’re funding:
• Faster rescue times
• Safer first responders
• Better outcomes for missing people
• A resource that can help multiple agencies

Even if you can’t donate

If you can’t donate, sharing this GoFundMe helps more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you for supporting the community we all call home.



Organizer

Keegan Crabb
Organizer
Jackson, MI
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