Beecher Police to Acquire Drone Following Grant Approval

Village of Beecher Board Meeting | Feb 23, 2026

Article Summary: The Beecher Village Board authorized the Police Department to apply for a ComEd grant to help fund the purchase of a new police drone. The device will be equipped with thermal imaging capabilities to assist in public safety operations.

Police Drone Grant Key Points:

• Grant Funding: The Village will apply for a $10,000 matching grant through the ComEd Powering Safe Communities Program.

• Total Cost: The total project cost is capped at $20,000, with the Village responsible for a matching share of up to $10,000.

• Capabilities: The new drone will feature thermal imaging technology for night operations and search-and-rescue tasks.

BEECHER, Ill. – The Beecher Police Department is set to expand its technological capabilities after the Village Board on Monday, February 23, 2026, authorized an application for a matching grant to purchase a police drone.

The Board voted unanimously to allow Chief Galvin to apply for a $10,000 grant through the ComEd Powering Safe Communities Program. The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match from the Village, bringing the total authorized project cost to a maximum of $20,000.

Trustee Joe Tieri, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, explained that the final cost of the drone itself is expected to fall between $9,000 and $12,000, depending on the specific model selected. The remaining funds in the budget allocation would cover required training, insurance, and certification for officers.

“That’s one hell of a drone,” Tieri remarked regarding the price point.

Chief Galvin confirmed the high-grade equipment would include thermal imaging capabilities, which are critical for nighttime operations and locating missing persons.

The grant is administered through a partnership between the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd. The application deadline is March 13, 2026. Tieri noted that funds for the Village’s portion of the match had already been identified within the department’s budget and asset forfeiture funds.