POMFRET, Md. — Charles County Dive Rescue Inc. (CCDR) is diving into new technology thanks to a $15,000 grant that will help fund a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) — often called an underwater drone — to aid in critical water-rescue missions.
CCDR officials said the grant, awarded by the D.C. Fire and EMS Foundation’s Legacy on Ice program, will offset much of the cost of the new ROV, which carries a price tag of about $26,209.90. The department plans to use its own operations and maintenance funds to cover the remaining $11,209.90.
The dive team qualified for the funding due to its mutual aid response to the Jan. 29, 2025, aircraft collision over the Potomac River. CCDR evaluated several models before making its selection, though the specific Deep Trekker model has not been confirmed. The company offers a range of mission-ready ROVs — including the Revolution, Pivot, Photon and DTG3 — designed for underwater inspections and recovery work.
Leaders say the new technology will work hand-in-hand with the team’s existing side-scan sonar systems to help locate and identify objects in dangerous areas such as deep water, pilings, submerged debris or other spots too risky for divers.
The addition of the ROV is expected to improve both safety and efficiency in local search-and-recovery operations.
The grant details, outlined in a Sept. 2, 2025, letter, were shared with the Charles County Board of Fire and Rescue on Sept. 25, 2025. Watch the full Charles County Board of Fire and Rescue meeting on CCGTV.
Legacy On Ice Grant Awards
The D.C. Fire and EMS Foundation announced a total of $442,467 in grants from funds raised by the Legacy on Ice benefit held March 2, 2025, at Capital One Arena. The event honored the 67 lives lost in the Jan. 29, 2025, mid-air collision over the Potomac River and supported both their families and the first responders who answered the call that day.
In addition to the $15,000 awarded to Charles County Dive Rescue Inc. for the purchase of its new underwater ROV, other grants included:
- $142,500 to the D.C. Police Foundation for wellness initiatives and a new mobile wellness app for officers.
- $85,000 to the D.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for mass-casualty response readiness and trauma-informed family assistance training.
- $27,554 to the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department for a new wireless communication system, specialized equipment and PTSD-focused training for fire and police personnel.
- $172,413 to benefit D.C. Fire and EMS Department personnel through affiliated organizations, including wellness, trauma support, family services and the DCFD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.
The grants reflect the foundation’s effort to provide both practical tools and emotional support to agencies that played critical roles during the Potomac River tragedy.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
