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Amazon Robotics Donates $15,000 to the North Reading Police Department for Drone Program Expansion

NORTH READING — The North Reading Police Department is pleased to announce that Amazon Robotics provided a generous financial gift of $15,000 to fund the expansion of the department’s Drone Program. 
Amazon Robotics Facilities Manager Rachel Bousquet, at center, visited North Reading Police to deliver a $15,000 donation to Sgt. Michael Marra, at right, and the North Reading Police Department Drone Program. At left is Detective Paul Lucci. (Photo Courtesy North Reading Police Department)

NORTH READING — The North Reading Police Department is pleased to announce that Amazon Robotics provided a generous financial gift of $15,000 to fund the expansion of the department’s Drone Program. 

The gift will directly support the purchase of a new, state-of-the art drone. The Drone Program supports public safety operations, including search and rescue missions across the town and surrounding communities.

Amazon Robotics Facilities Manager Rachel Bousquet presented the gift to Sgt. Michael Marra and Detective Paul Lucci, who co-founded NRPD’s drone unit in 2021. Amazon Robotics maintains an office in North Reading. 

Sgt. Marra and Detective Lucci are both licensed through the Federal Aviation Association and have undergone specialized training to operate this enhanced equipment in a public safety capacity.

Since its inception, the Drone Program has played a successful role in locating missing persons, surveying hazardous terrain during rescue operations and providing live aerial support to first responders.

Sgt. Marra is also an active member of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) Drone Unit, which serves 68 cities and towns throughout Middlesex, Essex and Suffolk Counties.

“Drones have become an indispensable tool for Public Safety Personnel,” said Sgt. Marra. “With over half of North Reading’s Geography being made up of forests, wetlands and rivers, this technology allows us to act swiftly and effectively in critical situations – especially in locating vulnerable populations like children and individuals with cognitive impairments. This upgrade has newer technology with better thermal imaging capabilities and can operate in inclement weather, which previously we would be grounded.”

“Amazon Robotics’ continued support to the North Reading Police ensures the department stays equipped with cutting-edge technology and trained personnel prepared to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently,” said Chief Mark Zimmerman. “We thank them for their continued commitment to innovation and public safety.”

Sgt. Michael Marra flies the North Reading Police Department drone above a wildfire in town last year while supporting the North Reading Fire Department. (Photo Courtesy North Reading Police)

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