10/01/2026
COMMUNITY SUPPORT TAKING OUR SPECIAL OPERATIONS CAPABILITIES TO NEW HEIGHTS
Cornelius Fire Department would like to extend a tremendous THANK YOU to a group of local business owners and community partners whose generosity has provided our department with a brand-new DJI Matrice 4T unmanned aircraft system (UAS).
This aircraft was made possible through the generous support of:
• Steve McLeod – Holiday Marina
• Jake Palillo – Southcreek Construction
• The Mahl Family – Champion Tire
• The Cashion Family – Cashion’s Quik Stop
• Drew Stewart – Service Plumbing
• Jamie Rolewicz – Legacy Pointe Properties
• Chris Boukedes – Boatyard Eats
• Matt Greco – Carolina Skyforge
Their investment goes far beyond purchasing a piece of equipment—it is an investment in the safety of our community, our first responders, and the people we are called to help. This program has become a regional asset, as we have assisted departments in Huntersville, Davidson, and multiple surrounding counties.
The DJI Matrice 4T is an advanced public-safety UAS that significantly expands the capabilities of our Special Operations Division and UAS Team. Equipped with multiple visual cameras, powerful zoom capabilities, thermal imaging, a laser rangefinder, low-light capabilities, and an integrated spotlight, the Matrice 4T gives our pilots an incredibly capable platform for emergency operations.
Some of the ways this aircraft can support our Special Operations Division include:
🔎 Search & Rescue / Missing Persons – Rapidly searching large areas and using thermal imaging to help locate individuals who may be difficult or impossible to see from the ground.
🔥 Fireground Operations – Providing an aerial view of incidents, identifying heat signatures and fire extension, assisting with situational awareness, and giving Incident Command another valuable perspective when making tactical decisions.
🌊 Water Rescue & Lake Operations – Searching shorelines and large areas of water, assisting rescue crews, identifying points of interest, and providing real-time aerial intelligence during incidents on and around Lake Norman.
🚒 Special Operations Support – Providing overwatch, reconnaissance, mapping and real-time information during complex incidents while helping reduce unnecessary exposure of responders to hazardous environments.
Technology like this can allow us to cover more ground, gather critical information faster, and put fewer responders at unnecessary risk.
We are extremely fortunate to serve a community where local businesses and citizens continually step forward to support their first responders. To Steve, Jake, the Mahl Family, the Cashion Family, Drew, Jamie, Chris, and Matt—thank you for believing in our mission and helping provide our firefighters with another tool to better serve Cornelius and the surrounding communities.
Your generosity will make an impact for years to come.
đźš’ SUPPORT CORNELIUS FIRE SPECIAL OPERATIONS
For individuals or businesses interested in financially supporting the continued growth and capabilities of the Cornelius Fire Special Operations Division, donations may be made by check.
Please note “Cornelius Fire Special Operations” in the memo line of the check so the contribution can be properly designated.
Cornelius Lemley Fire Department’s incorporated organization is recognized as a 501(c) nonprofit organization, and eligible contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors should consult their tax professional regarding their individual circumstances.
Every contribution helps us continue investing in specialized training, equipment, technology, and capabilities that allow our members to better serve our community.
