The Ripon Police Department is looking at adding another drone.

The unmanned aircraft system is used by local police, providing situational awareness and additional information as an eye in the sky.

Police Chief Danny Sauer received a generous donation from the Ripon Rotary Club Wednesday – the check he received from local Rotary Club President John Mangelos will go towards a new drone priced at $7,540.

“We need to continue our drone program with another operational one,” Sauer said.

Several years ago, police receive a donation of two drones – DJI Phantom and DJI Inspire 2 UAV, along with the hardware and accessories – from the Diamond Pet Food Company as technology to help ensure public safety.

One of the drones was recently deemed out of commission.

Police will continue to operate with the one drone until the new model arrives in a couple month, said Sauer.

Besides search and rescue, the drone program has proved useful in officer safety, including checking out crime or traffic scenes, or seeking out areas with suspicious people.