The Eden Prairie Lions Club recently donated $10,000 to the local police department’s Crime Prevention Fund, enhancing the department’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program.
During an Oct. 7 presentation, Eden Prairie Police Sgts. Tom Lowery and Jordan Koras demonstrated the UAS capabilities to club members, highlighting the club’s contributions to public safety.
Since 2018, the UAS program has assisted in locating missing or endangered individuals, tracking fleeing suspects, and other public safety operations. In 2023, the drones were deployed 53 times. So far in 2024, the team has been deployed 74 times.
The Lions Club donation enabled the police to convert a Chevrolet Tahoe into a UAS command vehicle. It now stores drones, accessories, battery charging stations, a large video screen, and specialized lighting. The police demonstrated the drones’ capabilities in daylight, nighttime, and heat-sensing modes. Previously, officers had to return to the station to retrieve drones, but now, with the drone-equipped vehicle on regular patrol, it can respond to emergencies instantly.
Over the past four years, the Eden Prairie Lions have donated $207,400 to 38 local organizations, including funds for fire and police departments, scholarships, and community services. Funding is raised through annual events such as a pancake breakfast, Schooner Days, and a golf tournament.
The club prioritizes grants that benefit Eden Prairie residents and align with Lions Clubs International’s focus areas: sight, hearing, diabetes, childhood cancer, the environment, and community. Preference is also given to 501(c)(3) organizations. Grant applications should outline the project, objectives, beneficiaries, and how the funds will be used. The Lions prefer to fund equipment or construction projects and generally do not provide funds for salaries or operating expenses.
Nonprofits interested in applying for a grant can request an application form by contacting contactus@eplions.com.
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