On November 20, 2024, the Community Volunteers United (CVU) located in Branford, CT applied to the National Public Safety Drone Donation Program NPS-DDP.org for a drone donation. The department explained why the drone would help protect the communities they serve.

My name is Ken Engelman, and I am the founder of the 501c3 nonprofit organization Community Volunteers United (#VolunteerItsWhatWeDo). I would like to inquire with you about a used, refurbished, or returned/open package drone that we could possible use to help find missing people and pets in New Haven County, Connecticut. We currently beg drone owners on social media to allow us to use one of their drones, but usually no one replies to our requests. Having a drone will allow us to maximize our volunteer time searching the Connecticut shoreline and wetlands for missing people and pets. Believe it or not – this happens often. With this, I welcome you to call me and ask questions, check out our website/social pages, or if I need to submit my IRS information for consideration, I will be happy to. Just let me know.