Pullman Police to Buy Drone with Grant Funds
The department will use $8,750 from Gesa Credit Union to acquire a thermal multi-sensor drone for local operations.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Pullman Police Department is set to receive an $8,750 grant through the Gesa Credit Union Local Heroes Grant Program by late November 2026. This funding will allow the agency to purchase a thermal multi-sensor drone for emergency response and search and rescue efforts.
Why it matters
Acquiring this technology will enhance the department's capabilities in emergency response and crime scene documentation. The equipment will also support the regional Whitman County SWAT team through a collaborative sharing agreement.
The grant program has awarded over $600,000 to 49 organizations in 2026 alone. Since its inception in 2021, the program has distributed more than $2.6 million to over 253 recipients.
The players
Pullman Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and emergency response within the city of Pullman.
Gesa Credit Union
This financial institution provides philanthropic support to community organizations through its specialized debit card programs.
Whitman County regional SWAT team
This specialized tactical unit provides advanced emergency and law enforcement support across its designated regional jurisdiction.
The details
The Pullman Police Department plans to use the new technology to increase the number of trained drone operators available for duty. The device will be shared with the Whitman County regional SWAT team to assist in specialized law enforcement missions throughout the area.
Timeline
The Local Heroes Grant Program was created in 2021.
The program awarded over $600,000 to 49 organizations in 2026.
The Pullman Police Department will receive the grant funds by the end of November 2026.
The department plans to purchase the new drone by the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
This donation follows the distribution model established by the Gesa Credit Union Affinity Debit Card Program, which serves as a major philanthropic vehicle in the region. The program enables community organizations to secure specialized equipment through credit union member activity.
Residents may see an increase in the deployment of aerial technology for search and rescue operations once the unit is operational. This equipment is expected to improve efficiency in emergency response times throughout the community.
The takeaway
Technological upgrades like thermal drones can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of local emergency operations. Departments interested in similar assets should monitor regional grant cycles to identify available funding streams.
Further reading
Learn more about local support efforts in our Philanthropy section.
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Should local police departments accept private grants to fund their equipment and technology needs?
