QuikTrip Donates $375k for Mobile Command Center for Gastonia Police Drones

Gastonia Police Department showed off a mobile command center for its drone team on Wednesday. QuikTrip gave $375,000 to the Gastonia Police Foundation to make it happen. Officers can now coordinate drone operations from the field when critical incidents unfold, big events take place, or search operations kick in.

The unit is the first in Gaston County. Built on a chassis like a Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, it adapts to different settings and emergencies.

"QuikTrip is committed to being a responsible partner by making meaningful investments to enhance the safety and well-being of the communities we serve," said QuikTrip Community Affairs Coordinator Chris Bower, according to Queen City News. "One of our priorities is to ensure that first responders have the resources they need to protect our communities, and we are proud to support the men and women of the Gastonia Police Department through this contribution to the Drone Team."

Inside sits an integrated workspace. Officers tap into technology that monitors drone footage and coordinates operations. This allows them to make snap decisions during active incidents while staying protected from weather during long deployments.

Multiple charging stations keep drones powered up for sustained flights. The unit can also run a tethered drone system that feeds continuous power through a physical cord, which keeps a drone flying for hours without landing.

The Gastonia Police Drone Team started in 2021. Aerial support for public safety missions drives their work. Thirteen members from the police department join six members from the Gaston County Sheriff's Office.

Six drones serve the department. They monitor crowds at events, give aerial views to officers and first responders working below, and track down missing people.

"This new capability will greatly improve how we manage drone operations in the field," officials said. "We are grateful to QuikTrip and the Gastonia Police Foundation for helping us continue to bring innovative technology to public safety," said Police Chief Trent Conard.