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APSA's E-Newsletter is designed to bring you the latest on news and events within the public safety aviation community. The E-Newsletter may also be read online here at our website.

Inaugural Public Safety Drone EXPO Only 10 Days Away

The first ever Public Safety Drone Expo, to be held Oct. 16-19, 2017, in New Orleans, LA, will bring together public safety industry leaders, educators, decision makers and end-users to share the latest in UAS technology, applications and education. This inaugural event, produced by the Airborne Public Safety Association, will take place at the New Orleans DoubleTree Hotel.

Public Safety Drone EXPO 2017 provides a platform to showcase the industry’s latest technology for law enforcement, fire and search and rescue. The EXPO will offer a combination of interactive public safety-specific UAS courses, classes and general sessions. Attendees will learn from top subject matter experts, and the exhibit hall will feature industry service providers, manufacturers, advocates and thought leaders who bring together cutting-edge technology and applications.

Specific, targeted conference class tracks will focus on Law Enforcement, Fire, Search & Rescue, Special Presentations and Features. In-depth conference courses will include Public Safety UAS Operations, Remote Pilot Training and UAS Safety Management Systems. Speaker commitments from the FAA UAS Integration Office include Andy Nahle, John Meehan, Manny Martinez, Jr. and Gia Medina. The APSA website (link to www.alea.org/events/public-safety-drone-expo-2017-new-orleans-la) has all the information attendees need to finalize their trips to the Big Easy.

Georgia Police Helicopter Crashes, One Officer Paralyzed

A Gwinnett County (GA) Police helicopter crashed on Sept. 1 and two officers were injured. The crash occurred about 200 yards from the hangar as the pilots were returning from a call. As of press time, TFO Corporal Michael Duncan was paralyzed from the waist down. Officer George McLain, who was piloting the aircraft, was released from the hospital after several days.

"One of the police officers had already removed himself from the helicopter and was on the grass on his back. The other one was still strapped in," David Thompson of ATP flight school recalled. Gwinnett Police said Duncan was trapped and rescue workers used extraction equipment to remove him. "He said he couldn't feel his legs and had a lot of lower back pain," Thompson continued.

The helicopter was returning to the hangar after assisting ground officers with a suspect pursuit when weather conditions turned unfavorable. The aircraft crashed in a wide-open, grassy area. The helicopter, one of two in the Gwinnett County fleet, suffered significant damage. It’s unclear if it can be repaired. The Federal Aviation Administration will lead the crash investigation.

A golf tournament will be held by the Gwinnett County Police Foundation to benefit Cpl. Duncan. Donations are also being accepted at www.gwinnettpolicefoundation.com.

SOURCE: www.wfmynews2.com and www.wsbtv.com

APSA Joins Coalition Against ATC Privatization

The Airborne Public Safety Association has joined with 151 other general aviation organizations to support a letter to Congress opposing House Bill 2997, the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act. Helicopter Association International, a leading member of the coalition, said air traffic control privatization could be disastrous for U.S. aviation. “Turning ATC over to a monopoly could have far-reaching impacts on general aviation, an industry that generates more than $219 billion in total economic output, supports 1.1 million jobs, and includes a network of hundreds of airports and heliports connecting many rural communities and businesses,” HAI President and CEO Matt Zuccaro said.

SOURCE: www.rotor.org

London Police Use UAS for Missing Person Searches

Police in the London borough of Hackney used an unmanned aircraft system to search for a high-risk missing person on Sept. 12. The search, the first of its kind in the U.K. capital, was part of an eight-week trial by London's Metropolitan Police Force. The UAS are being deployed for serious traffic collisions, suspect searches, weapons sweeps and cannabis eradication, among other things.

The UAS was reportedly unsuccessful in finding the missing person on Sept. 12, but officers praised its ability to quickly survey a large, open space, saving time and manpower. The UAS used was an Aeryon Skyranger. “We are committed to working with technology that can assist our officers with the wide range of often difficult and dangerous incidents they deal with on a daily basis,” Metropolitan Police Force Commander Simon Bray said.

SOURCE: www.cnet.com

Virginia Beach Police Buys New MD 530F

The Virginia Beach Police Department Helicopter Operations Aviation Unit purchased a new, custom-configured MD 530F in late August. Scheduled for delivery in spring 2018, it will be the first MD Helicopters aircraft to join the Virginia Beach Police Department since its aviation unit was established.

Virginia Beach covers 310 square miles and has a population of 450,000. The police department’s aviation unit provides resources seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., supporting ground units in the execution of air patrol, search and rescue, surveillance, and crime scene and damage assessment.

The Virginia Beach Police right-hand command MD 530F will feature the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650shp turbine engine, extended landing gear, a Fargo 21-gallon auxiliary fuel tank and a wire strike protection system. High-contrast main rotor blades, a FLIR Star SAFIRE 380HDc EOIR system, a TrakkaBeam A800 searchlight and an NVISB interior will provide enhanced visibility for both officers and citizens during low-light operations. The all-glass cockpit features the Garmin 500H EFIS flight display, Garmin GTN650H touchscreen GPS/Navigation and communications panel, Garmin GMA 350H audio panel, Howell Instruments Engine Instruments Display, Technisonic TDFM 9300 and Garmin GTR 225 multi-band airborne radios, and a Churchill ARS-600 airborne mapping system.

SOURCE: www.verticalmag.com

Spokane Firefighting UAS to Assist Police

The Spokane (WA) Fire Department has announced it will lend its fleet of unmanned aircraft systems to the Spokane Police Department to survey deadly car crash scenes. The local city council gave its consent in mid-September for crash investigators to use the fire department’s four UAS to take accident scene pictures. The images had previously been captured by a photographer suspended from fire engine ladders. “It’s dangerous,” said City Councilwoman Lori Kinnear, who chairs the city’s public safety committee. “That’s where the drone is useful. Rather than dangling an officer over a roadway, you can use a drone to look at all aspects of the [scene].”

The fire department received city council approval in May 2016 to begin using UAS for training and life-threatening situations. The agency has spent roughly $28,000 on acquiring devices and accessories. Council approval is required for each UAS use. Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer said the department would limit its police assistance to fatal crashes.

Ten Spokane firefighters are FAA trained and licensed to fly the UAS. The pilots will work with investigators to capture the required crash scene images. The department’s pilots assisted on a crash that killed a pedestrian last month.

SOURCE: www.spokesman.com

APSA Exhibits at IACP

APSA will be exhibiting at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 124th Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA, October 22-24, 2017. CEO/Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach, President Steve Roussell, Northeast Region Director Dave McVey and Training Program Manager Don Roby will be on hand in booth #3713 to share the benefits of membership and update attendees on the latest APSA happenings. Stop by and visit.

Arkansas Police Department Acquires Crime Fighting UAS

The North Little Rock Police Department in central Arkansas is now using unmanned aircraft systems to combat crime. Lieutenant Patrick Thessing, who helped display the technology to the public in late September, said taxpayers aren't funding the equipment, which was purchased using drug forfeiture money.

Thessing said the UAS won't be used for general surveillance and won't fly in residential areas without reason. He said the drones would be used primarily for tracking down suspects and gaining information in hostage situations. The officers who will operate the UAS are still undergoing FAA training to gain their remote pilot in command licenses.

SOURCE: www.miamiherald.com

LAFD Helicopter Suffers Damage During Firefight

A City of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) AW139 suffered substantial damage after contacting a tree during aerial firefighting operations on Sept. 2. The helicopter, LAFD’s newest, was at the time of the incident battling the La Tuna Fire that burned over 7,000 acres.

“Fire 4” was put into service about a month ago. It arrived in Los Angeles from the Leonardo Helicopters factory in Philadelphia on June 20. The AW139 was participating in fire drop operations with at least nine other aircraft when the pilot made a mayday call after contacting an object. The pilot then performed an emergency landing on a football field. The helicopter suffered substantial damage, including the loss of the entire left side of the stabilizer on its tail boom. The La Tuna Fire was the largest fire in Los Angeles’ history.

SOURCE: www.heliweb.com

Turkey Police Helicopter Crashes, Killing One

One police officer was killed and another was injured in a helicopter crash in Turkey's Central Anatolian province of Niğde on Sept. 20. The accident occurred near at the Police Vocational High School, according to local media reports. Abdullah Yıldırım, a 27-year-old Special Forces police officer, was killed after the helicopter’s propeller struck him. A 25-year-old Special Forces police officer, Azim Doğan, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment on a wound to his leg.

SOURCE: www.news.az

Charles County Sheriff’s Office to Utilize Unmanned Aircraft

The Charles County (MD) Sheriff’s Office is preparing to launch an unmanned aircraft systems program to assist in high-risk situations and police-related investigations. Sheriff Troy Berry said the program, which has been in the works for nearly a year, would start with five officers trained and certified as UAS pilots under the direction of the program supervisor, Lieutenant David Kelly.

The unmanned aircraft, marked with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office logo, is also capable of being fitted with a FLIR thermal imaging camera. The department’s UAS program has been vetted by the Federal Aviation Administration and granted a certificate of authorization to operate in most conditions, including at night. Operator training was funded in large part by a grant offered by the local government insurance trust.

SOURCE: www.smnewsnet.com

Malaysian Police Pilots Receive U.S. Air Force Training

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) 6th Special Operations Squadron helped pilots for the Royal Malaysian Police Air Operations Force complete two weeks of tactical emergency and rescue training from Aug. 24 to Sept. 16. During the training, the unit’s officers were guided and exposed to paramedic roles, casualty evacuation, cargo drops, and search and rescue operations.

Police Air Operational Force Commander Deputy S. Sathiya Seelan said the training was a first in Malaysia. “We have regular training provided by other agencies…but this is the first time we have trained with USAF,” he said. “The training helped police officers learn about dealing with different emergency situations. Our officers were taught how to drop a dinghy into the sea for rescue, conduct evacuations in remote areas and also drop cargo for jungle missions.”

SOURCE: www.thestar.com.my

Maryland State Police Rescues Hiker

A Maryland State Police helicopter crew assisted first responders from Frederick County Fire and Rescue with rescuing an injured hiker on Sept. 17. The 48-year-old male sustained injuries when he fell in a particularly rugged area of the forest, landing in a crevice 30 feet below. Maryland State Police helicopter Trooper 3 responded after rescue personnel encountered treacherous conditions. Pilots positioned the AW139 helicopter 100 feet above a rocky embankment, and a trooper was lowered to the scene to assist the patient. A successful extraction was conducted within 12 minutes, and the patient was transported to a nearby trauma center for evaluation.

SOURCE: www.airmedandrescue.com

Nigeria Crash Analysis Points to Unqualified Crew

An accident investigation of a Nigeria Police Force crash that killed one person in 2012 has concluded the pilot and crew were not qualified to operate the unit’s Bell 427. The Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau released its report in early September, saying the incident that killed a deputy inspector general involved a pilot whose simulator recurrency and medical certificate had expired. The co-pilot was not type-rated in the helicopter, and the engineer that released the aircraft prior to the flight was likewise unqualified.

SOURCE: www.vanguardngr.com

U.K. Police Helicopter Move Will Increase Airfield Traffic

London’s North Weald Airfield is anticipating 20,000 additional annual “movements” when a former Met helicopter base is transitioned to the site by March of next year. The National Police Air Service (NPAS) wants to move the 3-helicopter unit from Lippitts Hill as part of a bid to cut costs.

North Weald administrators said they are excited for the move. “We more than quite welcome the addition of the police helicopter at North Weald,” Acting Council Chairman Baden Clegg said. The police helicopters will operate 24 hours a day and require at least one acre of land at the airfield where a new hangar could be built, along with portable office accommodation for support staff. The airfield is already used as a base by an air ambulance service.

SOURCE: www.guardian-series.co.uk

New Zealand Police Issue Laser Warning

The New Zealand Police has issued a public warning about the use of handheld laser pointers in the wake of an incident in early September. A police media spokesperson said a report was issued about laser light being shown at aircraft in the Mount Maunganui area. “It is an offense under the Civil Aviation Act 1990 to endanger an aircraft in any way,” the police statement read. “Due to the potential for serious harm as a result of pointing a laser at an aircraft, there may be serious penalties for those involved.” The New Zealand Police encouraged anyone who sees laser activity to report the incident immediately. 

SOURCE: www.sunlive.co.nz

Washington Department to Expand UAS Unit

The Pullman (WA) Police Department purchased four unmanned aircraft systems in July that will be used for traffic, rescue and other police operations. Most of Pullman’s population was introduced to the UAS this August, when they were operated for Aerial Adventure Day and the Lentil Festival Parade. The police department has only used its UAS in the field once, during a warrant search. Police Chief Gary Jenkins said the main purpose of the UAS is to help ensure the safety of both the public and his officers.

The money for Pullman’s UAS came from the 2017 budget, and the department held public meetings that allowed taxpayers to give their opinions. He said he feels the purchase, at around $9,000, was a good deal for the department. Pullman operates a DJI Inspire fitted with two cameras, a DJI Phantom, and two DJI Sparks.

SOURCE: www.dailyevergreen.com

NYPD Crew Rescues Man on Cargo Ship

The New York Police Department Aviation Unit rescued a worker who fell on a commercial tanker in late September. The 24-year-old reportedly fell three stories on the vessel and required medical assistance. The NYPD Aviation Unit launched two helicopters and arrived at the ship 16 miles off Breezy Point, Queens, about 20 minutes later, police said.

Pilot Detective Christopher Maher maneuvered a helicopter over the patient as emergency services unit medic Detective Mel Maurice descended toward the deck of the vessel. Once on deck, Maurice stabilized the victim and prepared him to be airlifted. “As we were going up, I was making eye contact … and letting him know it was okay, everything was going to be all right,” Maurice said. “It's satisfying to know you helped somebody.” The victim was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition.

SOURCE: www.silive.com

New Jersey Unit Adds UAS

The River Vale (NJ) Police Department recently announced it would begin using an unmanned aircraft system in emergency operations, crime scene investigations and public safety programs. “Angel 1,” a professional-grade UAS, will be outfitted with two cameras - one high-definition and the other thermographic, according to Chief William Giordano.

The department used money forfeited by defendants in criminal cases to pay for the UAS. Giordano said he researched several unmanned aircraft vendors and selected Archangel UAV Technologies. Borough officers assigned to the UAV team “are undergoing comprehensive training to conform to all Federal Aviation Administration regulations,” he said. “This training includes both classroom and practical flight training, which is being instructed by Archangel UAV Technologies.”

SOURCE: www.pascackvalley.dailyvoice.com

APSA Online Meetings: October 2017 Schedule

Meetings are conducted through an online conference call you can join using your computer, device or phone. Online meetings are open to any APSA member. To receive meeting information and be added to the mailing list, send an email to safety@PublicSafetyAviation.org.

For October, an online meeting for UAS Operators will be conducted on Wednesday, October 11 from 1:00-2:00 PM (1700 UTC); for Safety Officers on Monday, October 23 from 1:00-2:00 PM (1700 UTC); and for Maintenance Technicians on Tuesday, October 24 from 1:00-2:00 PM (1700 UTC). Contract maintenance providers to APSA members are welcome to participate in the Maintenance Technician’s meeting as well. All times are EDT. 

Saratoga County Sheriff's Office Confiscates 450 Marijuana Plants

The Saratoga County (NY) Sheriff's Office announced in late September it seized 450 mature marijuana plants with a street value of $900,000 during a sweep of woods and fields across the county. Investigator Jeffrey Brown said the Sheriff's Office was assisted by the New York State Police Aviation Unit in the cannabis seizure. State Forest Rangers were also involved. The marijuana eradication effort began in late August and took place over about 30 days. The plants were uprooted just prior to harvest, police said.

SOURCE: www.timesunion.com

Virginia Man Arrested for Using Laser on Police Helicopter

A Fairfax County (VA) Police Department helicopter was struck three times by a blue laser light as it was headed back to its hangar on Sept. 23. Authorities said they arrested and charged the 45-year-old man they believe was involved.

After returning to headquarters, the aircrew went back to the area and used infrared camera equipment to find a vehicle where they believed the laser was being used. In a statement, police said the laser was “so strong” that “it bounced off the equipment in the cockpit and temporarily affected the two flight officers.” The helicopter aircrew led ground officers to the vehicle, where the driver was arrested. A federal investigation is now underway.

SOURCE: www.washingtonpost.com

HAI Salute to Excellence Awards Nominations Closing

The deadline to nominate a candidate for Helicopter Association International’s Salute to Excellence Awards is Oct. 16. The awards are an opportunity to honor pilots, mechanics, safety professionals and others who go above and beyond the call of duty in pursuit of the highest standards of professional excellence in vertical aviation.

Nominations are open to anyone in the helicopter industry. Any individual or organization, whether or not they are an HAI member, may submit nominations or be nominated for an award. "As you prepare your nomination, please remember to provide strong supporting information," adds Dan Sweet, director of public relations and communications for HAI. "We know your nominee is a great person and that they do a great job. So tell us their story! Provide examples of their passion for helicopters or the industry, and give us supporting information such as photos, videos, letters of recommendation, newspaper clippings, or any other data that illustrates their contributions to the helicopter community."

For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit www.rotor.org/salute.

Boston Police Department Purchases UAS

The Boston (MA) Police Department (BPD) announced in late September it has purchased multiple unmanned aircraft systems with the intent of using them to capture a bird’s-eye view of crime scenes. None of the devices has yet been deployed.

“While other area police departments have adopted aerial cameras or drones to capture and provide more comprehensive and complete visual understandings of crime scenes from an elevated perspective, no official use of said cameras has been permitted, sanctioned or conducted by BPD,” spokesman Lieutenant Michael McCarthy said. “Moreover, in keeping with how BPD conducts business, any decision to adopt new technology would only be considered after first seeking and receiving extensive input and feedback from the community we protect and serve.”

City council members said police would not deploy UAS until after a “community engagement process.” State police began using drones last year, and lawmakers are weighing regulations for official UAS use.

SOURCE: www.officer.com

Part 107 Remote Pilot Course: APSA’s Upcoming Schedule

APSA's Remote Pilot-In-Command Course includes twenty (20) hours of classroom training for UAS staff that is designed to provide a review of the Federal Aviation Regulations PART 107 Remote Pilot Certification Process. The course is a must-have for agencies to train their personnel on how to operate sUAS and to obtain pilot certification; it will prepare the student to successfully take the FAA Pilot’s Exam for this rating. 

The Remote Pilot-In-Command Course is intended for public safety personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, who are interested in obtaining their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under FAR PART 107.

The cost is $150 (which includes a one-year membership to APSA*). Course dates and host agencies include (click on your desired location for additional details):

• October 28-29, 2017 • Ventura County (CA) Sheriff’s Office
• November 4-5, 2017 • Seminole County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
• November 18-19, 2017 • Alameda County (CA) Sheriff’s Office
• December 9-10, 2017 • Adams County (CO) Fire Protection District
• January 13-14, 2018 • Spokane County (WA) Sheriff’s Office 

*Offer not valid for current APSA members

Maricopa Police Begins Using UAS in Operations

The Maricopa (AZ) Police Department has begun implementing an unmanned aircraft system in tactical operations. The aircraft is equipped with a FLIR thermal camera and a 3x zoom camera, as well as GPS transmitters. It flies at a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

“You’re looking for those tools to be able to increase your manpower,” Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl said. “You may have a barricaded subject in the house - you want to be able to view that enclosure, so to speak, from a safe distance.”

Seven sworn and civilian employees will be trained to operate the modified DJI Matrice 660 model by mid-October. The department will be required to acquire court-issued warrants for investigations and surveillance, Stahl said.

SOURCE: www.rt.com

Ohio Department Acquires Unmanned Aircraft

The Streetsboro (OH) Police Department is in the process of launching an unmanned aircraft systems unit. The program will be underway when the department receives FAA approval and an officer completes his pilot’s exam, according to Police Chief Darin Powers. Powers said there is no other program like it in the county.

Powers said the unmanned aircraft would be used to take aerial photos, locate missing people, track criminal suspects, and investigate crime scenes and fires from above. It will not be used for everyday patrol purposes. Powers said it will help police diagram traffic crashes and investigate suspected explosive devices, marijuana grows and meth labs without risking the health and safety of officers.

The department acquired its DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus, a top-of-the-line hobbyist device, for $1,800. Four extra batteries, an in-vehicle battery charger, a video headset and other accessories brought the total to slightly less than $2,500.

SOURCE: www.record-courier.com

Mark Your Calendar

Plan now to attend these upcoming APSA events (click on each event for additional information):

Safety Seminar – Napa, CA
November 28-30, 2017

Unit Manager Course – Houston, TX
December 4-6, 2017

Safety Seminar – Destin, FL
February 6-8, 2018

SOURCE: APSA

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following individual members who joined during September 2017:

Corporate Members:

Argus Rising
DroneSense, Inc.
MSH Helicopters
Westwind Computer Products 

Individual Members:

Justin Adams, Kovar & Associates  (TX)
David Anderson, Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Richard Baldwin, Windward Aviation (HI)
Bruce-Alan Barnard, Bruce-Alan Barnard, Esq. (FL)
Paul Baum, Long Beach (CA) Police Department
Bill Bennett, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Ben Blanton, California City (CA) Police Department
Richard Brown, Innovative Imaging & Research
Andy Buckmeier, Waseca County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Raymond Casias, Sante Fe (NM) Police Department
Scott Champagne, Broward County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Derek Claar, Pipestone County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Ryan Clark, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Edison Dengler, Pipestone County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Randy Downard, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Department
George Dukes, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Steven Dye, Ocean Springs (MS) Police Department
Thomas Epps, Knoxville (TN) Police Department
James Felt, Willmar (MN) Police Department
Gordon Fenley, St. James Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office
Jim Finnel, MAG Aerospace
Kurt Flegell, Independent Member
Robert Gann, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control/CoE
Michael George, Massachusetts State Police
Gary Gibson, Regional Community Aerospace Facility (ON)
Gerry Gibson, Denver Police Department
Tracy Grady, Sierra Vista (AZ) Police Department
Dennis Green, Stanislaus (CA) Consolidated Fire Protection District
Robert Greenberg, Vallejo (CA) Police Department
Jason Hedden, Los Banos (CA) Police Department
Kellan Hemmesch, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Ronald Hesmondhalgh, Independent Member
John Holmes, Knoxville (TN) Police Department
Jerry Hunter, Kings County (CA) Sheriff's Office
Eric Hurtado, California City (CA) Police Department
Jameson Jackalone, Cobham Aerospace Communications
Mike Katzovitz, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Simon Keith, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Steve Kempker, Ottawa County (MI) Sheriff's Office
Brian Kistner, Suffolk County (NY) Police Department
Eric Kopp, Miami Dade (FL) Police Department
Michael Korvas, BM.I Police Air Support Unit - Austria
John Kresse, Spokane County (WA) Sheriff's Office /Spokane Valley (WA) Fire Department
James Kroona, South West (MN) EMS
Chester Lahr, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Scott Landau, Panasonic Corporation of North America
Christopher Lanier, Union City (CA) Police Department
Otto Laufer, Santa Ana (CA) Police Department
Christopher Lee, Upper Sioux (MN) Police Department
Carlos Martinez, Customs & Border Protection /OAM (AZ)
Joel McCarthy, Boston (MA) Police Department
Daniel McIlhagga, RCIPS Air Operations Unit (Cayman Islands)
Christopher Milana, Tampa (FL) Police Department Aviation Unit
Scott Mount, Williamson County (TX) Sheriff's Office
Thomas Newville, Renville County Government
Alfred Parker, Ocean Springs (MS) Police Department
Jesus Parras, Los Banos (CA) Police Department
Shawn Pewsey, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Office
Chad Pierce, New Mexico State Police
Ray Reyna, Los Banos (CA) Police Department
Michael Roe, Ridgewater College
Christopher Sanchez, Massachusetts State Police
Adam Shaffer, Pomona Police (CA) Department Aero Bureau
Sammy Shaffer, Knoxville (TN) Police Department
Seth Sparks, Renville County Government
Bobb Stone, Willmar (MN) Fire Department
Andrew Struffert, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Scott Svancarek, Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department Aviation Unit
Stefan Svensson, Swedish Police Air Support Unit
John Swanson, Fresno (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit
Brian Thompson, Port St. Lucie (FL) Police Department
Tetsuya Urimoto, Panasonic Corporation
William Valesquez, New Mexico State Police
Qui Vo, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Office
Tyron Warren, Becker County (MN) Sheriff's Office
Nathan Watson, Stearns County (MN) Sheriff's Office