Drone power is making one Alabama town safer

By Chad Previch, Senior Communications Manager

Norfolk Southern’s Safety First grant program is helping the Madison Police Department upgrade its drone equipment and strengthen officer training for on-the-job use. With the $15,000 grant, the department will expand its drone fleet and enhance its ability to respond to community safety needs.

Why it matters

• A valuable tool: Drones support tactical deployments, search and rescue, crowd management, and traffic incident response.
• Improved capability: Expanded drone use increases operational reach while helping keep officers safe.

What they’re saying:

"The Madison Police Department is proud to have the Norfolk Southern Police Department as a partner in public safety to help ensure railway cargo is transported through Madison as safely as possible. Through the generosity of Norfolk Southern, we will be able to boost our UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) capabilities to help keep our citizens safe as well as railway cargo that passes through our city." – Captain Terrrell Cook 

“The Madison Police Department's commitment to public safety will be strengthened even further through our recent grant to support their drone program. It will help protect both the citizens of Madison and the rail operations that run through the city.” – Matthew Wade, NS Special Agent and Community Ambassador

About Safety First grants: The Safety First grant program supports community safety efforts across our 22-state network. These grants advance the work of local organizations that provide direct safety services or operate programs that promote safe behavior. To learn more about all NS’ grant programs, click here.

Chad Previch leads external communications for Norfolk Southern in the areas of Sustainability, Community Impact and Technology. He also manages messaging related to the company’s Government Relations and Investor Relations priorities. He joined NS in 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of PR and corporate communications experience.