Safety First grants help power aerial response capabilities in Alabama communities

May 07, 2026

Safety First Grant check presentation - Anniston

In communities across Alabama, new tools are helping first responders act faster, see clearer, and operate more safely.

Through Norfolk Southern’s Safety First grant program, two law enforcement agencies recently received funding to expand their use of drone technology in public safety operations.

On April 29, Norfolk Southern Police special agent Matthew Wade presented grant checks to departments in Anniston and Heflin, marking the latest investments in local emergency response capabilities.

The Anniston Police Department received support for its Safe Streets Aerial Support Initiative. The funding will help equip officers with drone technology designed to improve situational awareness, assist in search efforts, and enhance officer safety during active incidents.

“Our drone program continues to be an important tool for both public safety operations and search-and-rescue efforts within our community,” said Lieutenant Chris Leach with the Anniston Police Department. “This investment is already making a difference. One of our drones was successfully deployed to locate and guide a lost hiker to safety, demonstrating the real and immediate impact this technology has on protecting the citizens of Anniston.”

Safety First Grant check presentation - Heflin

In nearby Heflin, the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department received funding to strengthen its emergency operations. The department plans to use drones to support a range of response efforts, from search and rescue to real-time incident monitoring.

“This funding means a great deal to our office and the community we serve,” said Sheriff Jon Daniel with the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office. “Partnerships like this are extremely important to our agency. This contribution will have a direct and lasting impact on how we serve and protect the citizens of Cleburne County.”

For both departments, the addition of aerial technology represents a meaningful step forward in how they serve and protect their communities.

Norfolk Southern’s Safety First program provides grants to first responders and organizations located along the company’s rail network, supporting initiatives that improve safety outcomes and strengthen community preparedness.

To learn more about all NS grant programs, click here.

By investing in tools like drone technology, Norfolk Southern is helping empower local agencies with the resources they need to respond more effectively — and helping make the communities it serves safer for everyone.