Canonsburg Council Approves Drone Program

Canonsburg Borough Council approved a Municipal Public Safety Drone Program, which will allow Borough police, fire, and public works personnel to operate drones for various reasons. Alexander Coghill, the Chief of Police for the Canonsburg Borough Police Department, explains that the department currently has one drone, but there are only three certified pilots within the department. This program will increase the number of certified pilots and expand capabilities. Coghill says it will help with missing persons cases and allow for a better look at forestry and flooding incidents. Council also authorized fundraising efforts and acceptance of grants to support the program. Council President Eric Chandler explains that the program is still in the developmental phase. They are deciding what drones work best for Canonsburg and how many pilots are necessary. Chandler says they will need between $20,000-$50,000 for the program. Coghill expects the program to be running in the next six months to a year.