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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.

APSA Launches Logo Contest; Win a Trip to APSCON 2018

The Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) is accepting designs for a logo to complete its rebranding process.   The winning design should encompass elements representing public safety aviation disciplines, including but not necessarily limited to law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services. In addition, the design should incorporate the APSA wings as well as the APSA motto: “To Serve, Save & Protect From the Air.”

The contest winner will receive a trip to APSCON 2018 in Louisville, KY, including roundtrip airfare, lodging, and conference registration.  

The contest is open to all active individual members of APSA. Membership must be current at time of submission and remain current through APSCON 2018.  Any member with a creative eye and a passion for design may submit an innovative and professional logo concept.  All ideas, shapes and sizes are welcome, keeping in mind that the winning design must be suitable for creation as a patch.  Enter as many times as you want; multiple entries are welcome! Submission deadline is April 16, 2018. Full details can be found on our website, including the official contest rules.

Don’t Miss APSA at HELI-EXPO 2018

APSA’s Rescue Summit 2018 (formerly HRRA Rescue Summit) will take place on Monday, Feb. 26, from 0830–1700 in Room N232-N236 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Experienced aviation rescue speakers will present on topics such as the physics of hoist load control, safety in external loads, rescues in residential structures as well as critical incident reviews and public safety disaster responses. Lunch will be provided and numerous networking opportunities are scheduled throughout the day.

Rescue Summit 2018 is complimentary for APSA Individual members (non-member registration is available for $50/person); however, registration is required to attend. Click here to view the agenda; click here to register.

While you’re attending HELI-EXPO 2018, please visit APSA at booth N3209. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas later this month!

North Wales Police Launch UAS Unit

The U.K.’s North Wales Police has created an operational unmanned aircraft unit after extensive technology testing. The unit will be able to capture high-quality video and still images, and the UAS will be used to assist with searches for missing people, road traffic collision investigations, major crime incidents, and event planning and management.

The team’s two UAS, which can also be equipped with a thermal imaging camera, have already been used to search for missing people and investigate crimes. Officers from the new unit deployed an unmanned aircraft during a recent fire, assisting with thermal imaging capabilities.

A total of 15 North Wales police officers and staff members have completed their Civil Aviation Authority training, passing a theory exam and practical flight test. A number of “drone spotters” have also been trained across the region to assist UAS operators.

SOURCE: www.deeside.com

Ohio Sets Rules for Law Enforcement’s UAS Operations

The Ohio Attorney General's Office has announced 14 recommendations establishing a model policy for law enforcement agencies using unmanned aircraft systems. Departments across Ohio are now working to meet the standards, including having officers obtain a pilot's license and undergo annual training. Fremont Police Detective Roger Oddo said training is the biggest challenge.

The advisory board, appointed by Attorney General Mike DeWine in October 2016, consists of aviation and law enforcement experts. The panel took into consideration what police departments would use drones for in compiling its list of recommendations.

Among the board’s recommendations are obtaining search warrants before any use in which people would have a reasonable expectation of privacy and preventing unauthorized surveillance. Oddo said the Fremont Police Department is not using its UAS for surveillance but is using it for tracking purposes and evidence searches.

SOURCE: www.thenews-messenger.com

APSA Accepting Applications for Accreditation Commission 

APSA is actively seeking qualified individuals to serve on the Airborne Public Safety Accreditation Commission (APSAC).  The commission, which has recently been doing business as the Public Safety Aviation Accreditation Commission (PSAAC), is being dissolved as an independent legal entity and incorporated into APSA.  As part of this realignment, and in accordance with a resolution adopted by both entities, the size of the commission is being reduced to make it more manageable.  Due to these changes, APSA is accepting applications from those interested in serving as an APSAC commissioner.  APSA is specifically seeking those with expertise in the public safety aviation fields of law enforcement, firefighting, SAR and/or UAS.  Submission deadline is March 5, 2018.  All of the details as well as the APSAC Commissioner Application Form can be found on our website.

Injured Gwinnett County Officer Back on Job

One of two Gwinnett County (GA) Police Department pilots injured last fall in a helicopter crash has returned to work, according to officials. Officer George McLain returned to work as a pilot in the department’s Aviation Unit on Jan. 10. McLain spent months recovering at home from the Sept. 1, 2017, crash.

McLain and Corporal Michael Duncan were returning to the airport after participating in a search when the 2017 incident occurred. They encountered bad weather, and a National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report showed a wind gust may have caused the crash. McLain, who is a member of the Georgia Air National Guard, was operating the helicopter. Duncan, a former marine who has been with the Gwinnett County Police Department since February 2005, was left paralyzed from the waist down.

SOURCE: www.gwinnettdailypost.com

Virginia Helicopter Crew Rescues Young Boy

A Fairfax County (VA) Police Department helicopter crew helped locate a missing 10-year-old boy in early January. Police later shared an infrared camera recording of the rescue, showing the crew directing police on the ground to the boy’s location. The child was cold but uninjured when he was reunited with his family, according to Prince William County Police Department officials. See the FLIR video here.

SOURCE: www.insidenova.com

APSA Online Meetings: February 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 February 2018, an online meeting for Safety Officers will be conducted Tuesday, Feb 13 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC); for UAS operators on Wednesday, Feb 14 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC); and for maintenance technicians on Tuesday, Feb 20 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC). Contract maintenance providers to APSA members are welcome to participate in the maintenance meeting as well.

Kansas Department Launches UAS Trial Period

The Riley County (KS) Police Department (RCPD) is rolling out an unmanned aircraft systems pilot program to determine if it’s worth using UAS and licensed operators for police work. RCPD Director Brad Schoen gave a presentation outlining the department’s plan at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in late January.

RCPD currently has two drones. The $12,000 DJI Inspire 1 V2 is the bigger of the two, weighing 6 pounds. It can fly for up to 18 minutes at a top speed of 50 mph. The drone can also carry up to 3 pounds and has infrared and optical zoom cameras. The second vehicle, a $1,200 DJI Mavic Pro, is just larger than a soda can when folded for storage, weighs 1.6 pounds, can fly for 27 minutes and tops out at 40 mph. The Mavic also has a lighting system, making it easier to operate at night, and a 4K video camera. Two employees are licensed to use the UAS, and a third has completed training and will be certified soon. The department is still working to secure its Federal Aviation Administration license.  

SOURCE: www.themercury.com

California Sheriff and Fire Units Continue Battle Over Rescues

The Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Department and Fire Authority have endured an ongoing fight over who gets to rescue people using helicopters in remote areas. Several months ago, the county’s Board of Supervisors declined both agencies’ request for a mediator to resolve the issue. Now, the state will attempt to settle the dispute.

Orange County supervisors voted to refer the problem to the state after Fire Authority Chief Patrick McIntosh told the board his pilots would continue responding to rescue calls in remote regions, saying he would ignore Sheriff Sandra Hutchens' recent decision to unilaterally take over helicopter operations in those areas. The sheriff's department and the fire authority each has insisted it is better qualified to make air rescues. Sheriff's helicopters tend to arrive first to scenes, while fire helicopters tend to get people to hospitals faster, according to the Orange County Register. The California Office of Emergency Services is expected take up the dispute.

SOURCE: www.usnews.com

Ohio County Sheriff Launches UAS Program

The Williams County (OH) Sheriff’s Office recently purchased an unmanned aircraft system, and Sheriff Steve Towns and four deputies are training to obtain FAA remote pilot certifications. “We used what little [money] we had left from last year’s Furtherance of Justice fund,” Towns said. “It was equipment money we would have had to give back.” Towns and the four deputies should be ready to fly this spring, and more potential pilots from other county departments are hoping to take advantage of the new equipment in the future.

SOURCE: www.theclevelandamerican.com

Winnipeg Police Defends Commercial Helicopter Use

The Winnipeg Police Service in Canada received criticism last month when it rented its helicopter to a Hollywood film producer, but the department said it didn’t consider it to be a hindrance to regular duties. Police said the chopper was used for a total of 72 minutes in the filming of “The Parts You Lose.” Officials said no profit was made, as the aircraft was rented at a cost-recovery rate.

Private aviation companies in Winnipeg say a 72-minute helicopter flight would have cost the movie’s producers about $2,000. Winnipeg Police Service Inspector John Lutz said Air-1 was filmed flying two patterns over a local area.

SOURCE: www.globalnews.ca

Florida Man Jailed for Pointing Laser at Police Helicopter

A man is in jail after pointing a laser at a St. Lucie County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit helicopter. The laser hit the aircraft in late January. Deputies on board located the 28-year-old and immediately notified ground units. “All three law enforcement agencies along the Treasure Coast utilize aviation units to keep our communities safe,” Sheriff Ken Mascara said. “Activity such as this endangers our pilots and puts our residents at risk.” The man is charged with pointing a laser light at a driver or pilot. He is currently in jail on a $3,750 bond.

SOURCE: www.cbs12.com

APSA Set to Accept 2018 Award Nominations & Scholarship Applications

For over 40 years, the Airborne Public Safety Association has encouraged the highest standards of professionalism in public safety aviation by acknowledging outstanding performance within our specialized industry.  Annually, we present seven awards to recognize excellence by our members and others whose actions have had a positive impact on our profession. To honor the academic achievements of our members’ children, we offer 18 scholarships totaling $43,000.

APSA will begin accepting award nominations and scholarship applications for 2018 no later than Wednesday, February 14. The submission deadline is Tuesday, May 1. Scholarship recipients and award winners will be announced during APSCON 2018 in Louisville, KY. The scholarships will be presented during the General Membership Meeting July 12, and the awards will be presented during the Awards Reception on July 13. For full details and to submit nominations and applications, click here.

Pakistan Police Unit Looks to Purchase Helicopter

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in Pakistan has sent a summary to authorities describing its plan to purchase a helicopter and develop an aerial support system against militants and criminals. The government has been asked to bear all expenses associated with an Accuril H126 helicopter, costing more than $4 million. Currently, the police department hires helicopters in case of emergencies, for transporting its special combat unit and moving its inspector general to remote districts.

“There is no denying the fact about the law and order complexities faced by the police,” the summary read. “On the one hand, the [police], due to its active role in fighting militancy, are the primary target of militants. On the other, the majority of the districts share boundaries with tribal areas.” The letter pointed out that it is difficult to manage such a situation and operate from a place with complex building areas, mountainous terrain and far-flung provincial districts.

SOURCE: www.thenews.com.pk

California Sheriff Rescues Four People and Dog

Three men, a woman and a dog were taken to safety in three rescues by the San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division on Jan. 9. The first rescue was in a creek wash, where a man was “clinging to a tree that was surrounded by water,” according to a sheriff’s news release. The aviation unit was able to use its hoist and harness to take the man to safety.

As that rescue was underway, dispatchers were alerted to two people and a dog trapped on an island in the Santa Ana River. As the victims were hoisted to safety, dispatchers received word of another person in the water nearby. The helicopter crew found the man 150 yards downstream and rescued him. All of the victims were trapped due to heavy rains that caused the Santa Ana River and Lytle Creek Wash to swell.

SOURCE: www.sbsun.com

Ohio State Patrol to Crack Down on Crashes Using Aircraft

The Hilliard (OH) Police Department has responded to almost 200 car crashes since July on the same four miles of interstate, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol intends to lend resources, including airborne assets, to reduce those numbers. “We've seen a big increase in crashes within these construction zones,” Lieutenant Rob Sellers said. “The common things come down to going too fast.” Sellers said troopers will help with enforcement on the ground and in the sky over Hilliard and other communities along the same interstate. “We're going to utilize our Aviation Section, which will radio those violations to police officers and state troopers on the ground.”

SOURCE: www.10tv.com

NYPD Makes Cruise Ship Rescue

The New York (NY) Police Department Aviation Unit airlifted an 80-year-old passenger from the Anthem of the Seas cruise ship in mid-January after the man suffered a medical emergency shortly after the boat’s departure. NYPD said it was notified of the passenger suffering a “cardiac emergency” and was informed he needed to get to a hospital immediately. The ship changed its course, and special operations and emergency service unit officers were lowered from the NYPD helicopter onto the ship. The man was secured, hoisted into the aircraft and taken to a nearby medical center in serious condition. Video of the rescue is available here.

SOURCE: www.nj.com

 APSA Schedules Over 20 Training Events in 2018

Did you know that APSA has vastly expanded our training offerings with over 20 training events scheduled for 2018 and that registration for many of these events is included in your APSA individual membership?  You can find information on these events on our homepage. Find an event that fits your needs and register today!

Virginia Cops Use Helicopter to Catch Carjackers

A Fairfax County (VA) Police Department helicopter assisted in the apprehension of two men who stole a car and attempted to hijack another vehicle in late January. The 19- and 17-year-old were arrested and face charges of attempted carjacking, gang participation and possession of stolen property, according to a police news release. The driver also was charged with a hit and run; the younger man faces a charge of failure to report an accident.

Fairfax police released video footage showing the Fairfax 1 helicopter assisting in locating one of the suspects. The video is available here.

SOURCE: www.insidenova.com

California Man Arrested for Shining Laser at CHP Helicopter

A Pittsburg, CA, man was arrested in Oakland on suspicion of shining a laser multiple times at a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter in late January. The 23-year-old may be charged with state and federal felonies and, if convicted, may have to pay a fine of $11,000 per laser strike. The CHP helicopter was struck while responding to a call early in the morning.

CHP officials said about 200 vehicles were at the incident scene, where fireworks were being shot in the air and multiple people reported gunfire. The CHP helicopter was monitoring the event when it was struck by a man who then entered a white sedan and left the area. CHP ground units were informed of the suspect’s location, stopped the sedan and arrested the man.

SOURCE: www.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com

Maryland First Responders Rescue Man Lost in Woods

Maryland State Police helicopter Trooper 3, as well as a unit operated by the Vigilant Hose Co., located a man who was injured in the woods while searching for a lost goat in late January. Chief Chad Umbel said crews worked for 2.5 hours to find the man after he called 911 to report his injuries.

Lieutenant Derek Rosensteel led a group of first responders into the woods, but they could not locate the man. Trooper 3 was then called to the scene and found the man using an infrared camera. Trooper 3 remained on the scene shining a spotlight on the man while ground crews worked to reach him on the steep terrain. The man was estimated to be 1.5 miles from his property. He was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

SOURCE: www.ems1.com

Baltimore Aviation Unit Assists in Arrest of Serial Burglars

The Baltimore County (MD) Police Department, with assistance from its Aviation Team, have identified and charged three men in relation to a recent string of burglaries. Officers received a burglary call on Jan. 26 and noticed a possible suspect in a green Ford Explorer with North Carolina tags. The aviation unit was then called to assist in following the suspect, until he stopped the car and attempted to run from officers. Police were able to catch and stop him. Evidence was found relating him to several burglaries. Police charged him with 20 counts of first-degree burglary and he was being held at the Baltimore County Department of Corrections on denied bail status.

SOURCE: www.abc2news.com

San Bernardino Helicopter Assists in High Speed Pursuit

San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested two men after a short high-speed pursuit involving the department’s helicopter in late January. Deputies found both suspects were on felony probation and one had two active felony warrants for his arrest. The men attempted to flee police as they were being pulled over for a vehicle code violation, but a Sheriff’s Office helicopter maintained visual contact during the ensuing pursuit. The vehicle eventually stopped in the middle of a road and the men fled to a nearby parking lot where they were captured.

SOURCE: www.sbsun.com

Washington Sheriff Deploys UAS

The Skagit County (WA) Sheriff’s Office has created an airborne unit in the form of three unmanned aircraft systems. The UAS took to the skies in early January. “They’re a useful tool to keep our officers safe, keep the public safe,” said Sergeant Tobin Meyer, the deputy in charge of the new unit.

The UAS will be used mostly for search and rescue operations, according to Meyer, the first Skagit County deputy licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate the aircraft. The Sheriff’s Office purchased the UAS—two smaller aircraft for daytime use and one larger one for nighttime operations—a few months ago, Meyer said. The smaller drones cost about $2,000 each. The larger drone cost about $11,000, including about $8,000 in camera capabilities such as adjustable heat sensors and night vision. The department cannot use the UAS for unlawful surveillance, Meyer said.

SOURCE: www.goskagit.com

Isle of Man Police Planning to Outsource UAS Support

The U.K.’s Isle of Man Constabulary recently solicited expressions of interest from suppliers who can provide unmanned aircraft capabilities. The provider would have to offer 24-hour availability, have all appropriate Isle of Man Civil Aviation Authority permissions, and be willing to operate in a range of environments, including bad weather. The 12-month contract would require the operator to assist with road traffic collisions, area searches and crime scene investigations. The UAS would capture video footage and still images and provide a live video and thermal image feed.

Introduction of UAS technology is part of a digital strategy launched by the constabulary in 2016, with other planned innovations including body-worn cameras, mobile speed detection cameras and automatic number plate recognition. The force’s vision is to use technology to predict, respond to and ultimately prevent crime.

SOURCE: www.iomtoday.co.im

Texas Department Launches UAS Program

The Temple (TX) Police Department began using unmanned aircraft systems to assist with investigating fatal accidents about two months ago. The department’s Phantom Pro 4 is outfitted with a camera and can be flown as high as 400 feet from the ground. Officer Geoffrey Goodson was trained to operate the aircraft and received an FAA license. Goodson said the UAS allow investigators to get a better look at accident scenes, cars and skid marks that are left behind. In the past, the department used Google Earth images to assist with investigations.

Goodson said the UAS has been successful so far. “I'm sure you have seen the accidents, if it's out on the interstate, [that] take four to five hours,” Goodson said. “The drone is there to eventually help reduce that amount of time.”

SOURCE: www.kwtx.com

Colorado Department Considers UAS Purchase

The Longmont (CO) Police Department has budgeted $42,000 to purchase and equip four unmanned aircraft systems for traffic investigations and missing persons cases. The department has an open house planned for early February to educate the public about the unmanned aircraft. “We want to get the information out there,” Longmont Police Deputy Chief Jeff Satur said. “We want to make sure the community understands how we plan to use them.”

Satur said the UAS have not been purchased, but the department plans on outfitting them with software for mapping traffic crashes or crime scenes and thermal imaging that can be used to locate missing people. Satur said the plan calls for the department’s traffic division to take one of the UAS and use it during investigations of major crashes.

SOURCE: www.timescall.com

North Carolina Police, Firefighters Receive UAS Training

The Gaston County Police Department became the first North Carolina law enforcement agency to dispatch an unmanned aircraft system 12 years ago, but the department quickly retired the fixed-wing asset due to cumbersome FAA regulations. In late January, department members and local firefighters attended a Department of Transportation UAS workshop. Police Chief Joe Ramey said the technology has come a long way in the last decade. “It didn’t have the camera capabilities that these have,” he said. “It didn’t have the ability to steady itself. It was more of a moving, fixed-wing drone…And the flight time was limited.”

The purpose of the workshop was to showcase UAS capabilities and how they can be used in an emergency response agency. Police officers from dozens of departments across the state, along with firefighters and paramedics, were on hand as the unmanned aircraft were sent to roleplay a variety of situations. “It’s educational on how to operate, the parameters you can operate a drone in and the multiple uses that drones provide to public safety,” Ramey said. “It’s a good operation to see that.”

SOURCE: www.gastongazette.com

Georgia County Acquires UAS in Lieu of Manned Aircraft

The Henry County (GA) Police Department recently launched its Special Wide Angle Reconnaissance Mitigation unit, which will use unmanned aircraft systems to record and photograph wreck and fatality scenes using a high-definition camera and search for missing persons and runaways with thermal body heat detection. “We have a need for aviation style units, and helicopter units are cost-prohibitive,” Captain Vance Rosen said in a statement. “Implementing this drone unit is a way for us to get eyes in the air to scan greater areas to find what we are looking for.”

The department funded its DJI Phantom 3 and Maxsur Seeker drones with $15,000 in federal seized assets and forfeitures, according to a county spokesperson. The county is one of the first in Georgia to obtain FAA permission to operate UAS. Chief pilot and training officer Allen Harmon will instruct about 20 officers, the spokesperson said.

SOURCE: www.mdjonline.com

APSA Safety Seminar Coming to Valley  Forge

The next APSA Safety Seminar will be held May 15-17 in Valley Forge, PA. The seminar is free of charge for all active APSA individual members (a fee applies for non-members) and will cover a wide range of topics through classes and roundtable discussions. The latest aviation products and technology will be displayed in a mini-tradeshow. The seminar, to be held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, is open for registration now, and a group rate is available at the host hotel through April 28.

Visit the APSA website for more information.  Don’t wait; register today!  

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during January 2018:

Corporate Members:

Cowen Aviation Finance
Intelligent Drone Systems
Rhotheta International
Simlat Ltd.
TSA Aviation, Inc.
Zephyr International, LLC 

Individual Members:

Will Adams, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Daniel Aleman, Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau
Andrew Alexander, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department*
Bill Alton, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Daniel Antle, Seminole County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Section
Pat Armour, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Michael Aspnes, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Gregory Atchley, North Carolina Emergency Management*
Moke Auwae, El Dorado (CA) Sheriff's Office
Matt Avery, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Brian Ballentine, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Rick Baring, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Lee Barker, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Brian Barnes, North Carolina Emergency Management*
Scott Bartell, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Philip Barth, Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau
Jerry Bastian, Intermountain Life Flight*
Peter Benesch, Los Angeles City (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Justin Bennett, Chesterfield (VA) Fire & EMS*
Mike Berna, Baltimore County (MD) Fire Department*
David Bishop, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Randy Bishop, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Chris Blackie, Maine Forest Service
Tracy Bogart, Squaxin Island (WA) Police Department
Jon Bourke, Helicopter Express*
Edgar Bowers, North Carolina Army National Guard
David Bowman, NCHART Western Branch*
Bradley Boyer, City of Irvine (CA) Police Department
Michael Brewer, NCHART Western Branch*
Terrance Brown, Whatcom County (WA) Sheriff's Office
John Brubaker, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Tab Burnett, Dept. of Public Safety (AK) - Aircraft Division
Lynn Burttschell, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Jeff Buterbaugh, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Michael Caifa, Intermountain Life Flight (UT)
Tyler Caille, Douglas County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Matt Calcutt, California Highway Patrol Northern Division*
Danny Caldwell, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Michael Campbell, Mesa County (CO) Search and Rescue*
John Campbell, Intermountain Life Flight (AZ)
Jorge Campos, Gainesville (FL) Police Department*
Jeff Cardwell, Gamewell (NC) Fire Department*
Anthony Chambers, Tip Top Search and Rescue (WY)
Chris Chapman, Whitman County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Fred Chavez, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Kurt Chelgren, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Robert Chopin, Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ACT) *
Bobby Clemence, Arkansas State Police
DJ Cline, Frontline Medical*
Vance Colvig, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Eric Connell, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Jason Connell, Las Vegas (NV) Metro Police Department Air Support Section*
Shawn Conway, St. Paul Fire Department*
Geno Cook, Flathead County (MT) Sheriff
Robert Cooper, NCHART Western Branch
Larry Corbin, American Services & Technologies, Inc. *
John Crowley, Maine Forest Service
Kynah Curfman, Hummingbird Helicopters
Tony David, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Anthony de Wit, Air Ambulance Victoria*
Curtis Deffense, COBHAM*
Louis Delia, Heli Malongo*
Mark Desmarteau, Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau
Richard DeVore, Maryland State Police*
Anthony Di Marco, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Guy Diaz, Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue*
Brett Dixon, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Zachary Donovan, Benton County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Michael Dubron, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Jeff Duran, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Kristy Ecimovic, Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd*
James Engen, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Tom Ewald, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Brian Fishbook, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol
Brian Francis, Maryland State Police Aviation Command*
Adam Frey, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Alan Gabriele, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Michael Gaede, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Victor Gallegos, New Mexico State Police Aviation Unit
Antonio Garcia, FLIR Systems
Matt Geller, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Keith Golden, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Paul Gottwig, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Michael Granek, Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau
John Grayson, Madera County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Chris Grazioso, MA-TF1
Todd Green, Bonney Lake Police Department
Jason Grindstaff, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Charles Grove, Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations*
Peter Gutzmann, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Leland Hackney, Independent Member
Eric Hanegmon, St. Louis County (MN) Sheriff's Office
David Hargrave, Pepperell (MA) Fire Department
Joel Harrison, Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations*
Chris Hartnell, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Paul Haughey, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Chris Heiser, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Adam Henry, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Chris Hines, Greenville County (SC) Sheriff's Office
Bob Holderman, Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association*
James Holmes, United Technology Aerospace Systems
William Holmes, NCHART Western Branch
Jason Hoyt, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Bill Ice, ETCC*
Brad Idol, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Jason Jarrett, Gallatin County (MT) Sheriff's Office*
Mark Johnson, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Schwwarder Jonathan, Benton County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Chuck Jones, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Garret Kaminskis, North American Safety Systems, LLC
Paul Kernick, New South Wales Ambulance Service
Janet Kim, Los Angeles (CA) Police Department
Dan King, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Michael Kipphorn, Trakka Systems
Mike Krecu, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Jeffrey Laforte, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Ken Larsen, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Ben Lawrence, Mesa County (CO) Search and Rescue*
Lyle Ledoux, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Mike Leum, Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau
Dennis LeVasseur, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Peter Linde, King County (WA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit*
Barry Links, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Milford Lockwood, Tip Top Search and Rescue
Israel Lopez, Westchester County (NY) Police Department
Louis Lorenz, Benton County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Geoff Lyons, Calhoun County (AL) Sheriff's Office
Paul Maestas, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Marty Martin, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Lincoln Mazzei, Maine Forest Service
Leon McCloskey, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Neil McCready, Air Center Helicopters, Inc.
Matt McElearney, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Joshua McMin, North Carolina Army National Guard
William Merth, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Matt Messer, Grant County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Warren Messina, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
David Meyer, Putnam County (TN) Sheriff's Department
Wil Milam, Two Bear Air Rescue
Jeffrey Miller, Maine Forest Service
Terry Mills, Mississippi National Guard*
Ted Moran, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Joe Murray, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Francis Neeley, ATF  
Michael Nelson, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Jay Ogden, NCHART Western Branch
Brian Ohler, Benton County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Tim O'Malley, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Christian Ortega, University of North Dakota Police Department
Rafael Ortiz, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Eric Pacheco, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Eugenio Padalino, Italian Red Cross Special Rescue*
Dave Pardo, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Paul Parks, NCHART Western Branch*
Scott Pearson, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Edward Philpott, Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff's Office*
Casey Ping, Travis County STAR Flight*
Ted Radmann, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Greg Reddish, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Hank Reimer, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Andrew Rhoads, Cal Fire (CA) *
Brett Riewe, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Kerry Roberts, Ascent Helicopters*
Patrick Robinson, Maryland State Police
Jesse Rodriguez, Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau
Timothy Rogers, NCHART Western Branch*
Jerry Rogers, NCHART Western Branch*
Paul Ross, Western Lewis (TX) County FPD
Jeffery Rothmeier, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department
Brian Sanford, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Jeff Saunders, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
William Saunders, Air Methods - Mercy Air*
David Scanlan, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Benjamin Schenck, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Scott Schilitz, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Thad Schultz, Spokane County (WA) Sheriffs Office
David Shepherd, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Gerardo Silva, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Garry Sinclair, New South Wales Ambulance Service
Cedric Smith, Santa Barbara County (CA) Sheriff SAR*
Patrick Smith, Gastops Ltd
Chris Sovay, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Charles Springer, Los Angeles (CA) Police Department Air Support Division
John Stangl, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Pat Stefanski, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Brice Stella, Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau
Clint Stephenson, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Gray Steve, Blackcomb Aviation*
Jon Strickland, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Paul Stump, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department Air Operations*
Joshua Sweeney, King County (WA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit*
Michael Tamez, Tempus
Maurice Taylor, NCHART Western Branch*
William Tensfeld, Whitman County (WA) Emergency Management
Danny Thompson, Flathead County (MT) Sheriff
Dustin Thurman, Spokane Valley (ID) Fire Department
Brandon Torres, Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) *
Alvin Torres, Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff's office
Michael Traylor, NWFSC Criminal Justice Training Center
Jenna Turner, Maryland State Police Aviation Command
Scott Tyrrell, Federal Aviation Administration
Jeff Underwood, US Customs and Border Protection
Andy Upton, Flathead County (MT) Sheriff
Jeremy VanAusdall, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Jason Vanbuskirk, Miami-Dade (FL) Fire Rescue*
Steve Vandewalle, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Mario Vittone, Lifesaving Systems Corp. *
DJ Walker, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Glenn Wallace, King County (WA) Search and Rescue
Chris Webber, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department*
Jeff Welton, Spokane County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Joseph Wheatley, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Lawrence White, Citrus County (FL) Sheriff's Office*
Bruce Widzgowski, AAR Airlift*
Patrick Wilhelm, St. Paul (MN) Fire Department*
Bryan Winchell, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Stephen Winchell, TEEX - Texas Task Force 1*
Justin Wocel, Nassau County (NY) Police Department
Edward Wolff, Blount County (TN) Rescue*
Trey Young, Asheville (NC) Fire Department*
Shannon Crofton, New South Wales State Emergency Service
Derek Everitt, CHC Ireland

*Former HRRA Member