
In This Issue:
Coronavirus and Upcoming APSA Events
May 1 Deadline: APSF’s 2020 Award Nominations & Scholarship Applications
2020 Photo Contest: Members Making A Difference
FLIR Vision Awards Call For Entries
Chula Vista Uses Drones to Patrol Coronavirus Quarantine
International Police Use UAS to Give Coronavirus Orders
National Police Foundation Develops COVID-19 Situational Awareness Tool for Law Enforcement
Nashville Helicopter Crews Respond to Devastating Tornado
MSP Aviation Command Marks 50 Years of Medevac
Let’s Meet Online: Upcoming Schedule for Safety, Maintenance, UAS and SAR Operators
Deadline for Submitting Nominations for IACP Leadership in Police Aviation Award Nominations is May 1st
Philippine National Police Helicopter Crashes
Two-Month-Old New Mexico State Helicopter Makes First Rescue
Hawaii Department Expands UAS Capabilities
Gunman Arrested After Firing at San Diego Police Helicopter
CEO of MD Helicopters Steps Down From Leadership
Aviation Specialties Creates Online NVG Recurrent Training Program
Alabama State Aviation Assists on Pursuit, Rescues Paraglider
Missouri Department Begins Operating New UAS
Canadian Unit Adds UAS for Traffic Investigations
S.A.F.E. Postpones Maintenance Safety Symposium
Florida Men Apprehended With Help From Sarasota County Aviation
New Zealand Police Helicopter Finds Kayaker Miles From Boat
Michigan Department Adds UAS to Vehicle Fleet
New York County Department Rescues Hiker
PAvCon Europe Cancels Event in Germany
AeroComputers Acquired by Challenger Aerospace
APSA Welcomes New Members
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Welcome!
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.
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Coronavirus and Upcoming APSA Events
The Airborne Public Safety Association is continuously monitoring the evolving situation around COVID-19 and is following the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government entities in making decisions related to our meetings and training events. All in-person events scheduled in April and May have been suspended or rescheduled. New dates for these events will be published on the APSA website as soon as they are known.
APSCON 2020, scheduled for Houston, TX, July 20-25, is still on at this time and registration is open on the website. The health and safety of our attendees, staff, instructors and exhibitors is our top priority, and we will make decisions accordingly. Should it become impossible to hold this event as scheduled, we will either reschedule or cancel, with full refunds or payment credit given to those who have registered. Further updates will be provided via email, social media and our website, so check back often for the latest.
In the meantime, APSA will be offering some online classes and courses. Currently, we have Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) Courses scheduled to be conducted via online webinar in May and June. The May RPIC will be four hours a day over four days on a Tuesday and Thursday pattern, May 19, 21, 26 and 28. The June RPIC will be two, back-to back eight-hour days, June 2-3. Registration should be open soon via our website. The remainder of the schedule is in development, but check our website often for the latest on our offerings.
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May 1 Deadline: APSF’s 2020 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. Through the Awards & Scholarships Program of the Airborne Public Safety Foundation (APSF), we recognize excellence by our members, their children and others whose actions have had a positive impact on our profession.
Annually, APSF presents seven awards for exceptional performance in or contributions to public safety aviation and 18 scholarships totaling $43,000 to recognize the academic achievements of our members’ children.
APSF is now accepting award nominations and scholarship applications for this year. The submission deadline is May 1, 2020. Scholarship recipients and award winners will be announced during APSCON 2020 in Houston, TX as part of the association’s 50th annual conference & exposition. The scholarships will be presented during the General Membership Meeting on Thursday, July 23, and the awards will be presented during the Awards Reception on Friday, July 24. For full details and to submit nominations and applications, click here.
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2020 Photo Contest: Members Making A Difference

APSA invites you to enter its 2020 Air Beat magazine photo contest. Share your best shots to win a GoPro HERO Black8 camera. You're gonna love GoPro’s newest features; enter Air Beat's photo contest today for your chance to win!
To be eligible to enter, the photographer must be an APSA member in good standing, and the photos must have a public safety aviation element (aircraft, crew, mission, training, etc.) and include a caption. The contest started on April 1 and the submission deadline is June 15, 2020; entries are being accepted now at www.airbeatmagazine.com. The more photos you submit, the greater your chances of winning. The grand prize will be awarded on July 23, 2020 during the General Membership Meeting at APSCON 2020 in Houston, TX. The winner is not required to be present.
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FLIR Vision Awards Call For Entries

The tactical use of airborne thermal imaging can be one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement. With the FLIR Vision Awards, FLIR Systems strives to recognize state and local law enforcement agencies for their contributions to public safety through the use of tactical, airborne thermal imagery.
Each year, FLIR asks law enforcement to submit their video footage shot during rescues, pursuits, apprehensions, and surveillance operations. Entries should highlight the tactical use of EO/IR technology and the importance of the airborne imaging system in the successful completion of the mission. You can find complete information on the awards, the official rules, the judging criteria and even submit your videos here.
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Chula Vista Uses Drones to Patrol Coronavirus Quarantine

The Chula Vista (CA) Police Department, which has been acclaimed for its use of unmanned aircraft as first responders, has begun using drones equipped with loudspeakers and cameras to enforce California’s coronavirus lockdown. “We have not traditionally mounted speakers to our drones, but…if we need to cover a large area to get an announcement out, or if there were a crowd somewhere that we needed to disperse, we could do it without getting police officers involved,” Captain Vern Sallee said. “The outbreak has changed my view of expanding the program as rapidly as I can.”
Brendan Schulman, vice-president of policy and legal affairs at UAS manufacturing firm DJI, said in light of the national emergency, the Federal Aviation Administration “should readily grant waivers on restrictions that might impede beneficial operations.” The FAA, which did not respond to a request for comment, is still working to ensure UAS can be safe autonomously or beyond the line of sight of pilots. “This crisis could be a catalyst to spur the FAA to free up resources faster,” Sallee said.
SOURCE: www.ft.com
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International Police Use UAS to Give Coronavirus Orders

National police forces in China, Spain, Ireland, France and Australia, among others, have begun using unmanned aircraft systems to inform people about the dangers of the coronavirus and order them to keep a safe distance from one another. The coronavirus, which contributes to the respiratory disease COVID-19, has caused lockdowns and stay-at-home orders around the world in an alarming global pandemic.
The National Police in the French Riviera reportedly have used a DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise with a speaker to assist in response to the coronavirus. Announcements from the UAS in the well-known coastal tourist area have included messages like, “keep a safe distance of at least one meter (3 feet) between people.” Police in Nice and Cannes, France, have partnered with a local drone operator to warn the public about the virus, and in Ireland, the Kildare North Police Department has said UAS can be used proactively to survey the number of people gathering in public spaces.
In Western Australia, an unprecedented hard border closure has pushed police drones into service. The UAS will also help enforce public gathering restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The drones will be fitted with flashing police lights and sirens and able to deliver warnings to people disrespecting social distancing rules. Those found breaching the rules face a $1,000 fine.
SOURCE: www.leinsterleader.ie, www.dronedj.com and www.9news.com.au
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National Police Foundation Develops COVID-19 Situational Awareness Tool for Law Enforcement

AIn response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its impact on law enforcement and other first responders, the National Police Foundation in collaboration with the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation, has developed a real-time situational awareness tool for law enforcement agencies that may be helpful as your agency plans, prepares and responds. This tool, found here, features a real-time dashboard, provides critical insights for executives, commanders, and others to better assess and monitor the impact of COVID-19, including officer exposures, diagnoses, workforce impacts, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needs and projections.
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Nashville Helicopter Crews Respond to Devastating Tornado

A tornado caused widespread damage in Nashville in early March, and Metro Nashville Police Department helicopter crews played an important role in responding to the crisis. At an airport, small jets were tossed. Power lines were down. Dozens of buildings had collapsed. The death toll jumped to at least 22 people, and fire crews spent hours pulling survivors and bodies from wrecked buildings. "Last night was a reminder about how fragile life is," Nashville Mayor John Cooper told reporters at a news conference.
John C. Tune Airport, Nashville International's sister airport in West Nashville, “sustained significant damage," a city spokesperson said in a statement, but no injuries were reported. Images from a helicopter deployed by the department showed widespread damage from the overnight storms. Metro Nashville police officers and fire crews responded to more than 48 building collapses around the city.
SOURCE: www.foxnews.com
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MSP Aviation Command Marks 50 Years of Medevac

The Maryland State Police (MSP) Aviation Command marked the 50th anniversary of the first civilian medevac mission flown in the state on March 19. The state’s integrated emergency medical system has helped save tens of thousands of lives since.
On March 19, 1970, Maryland State Police Helicopter 108, crewed by Pilot Corporal Gary Moore and Medic Trooper First Class Paul Benson, was summoned to the Baltimore Beltway and Falls Road for a patient involved in a motor vehicle crash. The two troopers, manning a turbine-powered Bell JetRanger helicopter, flew the injured motorist to a nearby trauma center. “It took about three weeks before we got our first call because it was all new all over the state,” Moore said. “That particular morning in 1970, [Benson] and I were the duty crew and landed on the highway, picked that patient up and took him down to the trauma center. That patient did live.”
MSP Pilot Hae Kim has produced a video tribute to the members of the MSP Aviation Command and first responders making up Maryland’s emergency readiness system, which can be viewed here.
SOURCE: news.maryland.gov
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Let’s Meet Online: Upcoming Schedule for Safety, Maintenance, UAS and SAR Operators
APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR personnel, and UAS operators via a conference call you can join using your computer, mobile device or phone. Online meetings are open to any APSA member. Contract maintenance providers to APSA members are welcome to participate in the maintenance meeting as well. To receive meeting information and be added to the mailing list, send an email to safety@publicsafetyaviation.org.
The schedule for upcoming APSA online meetings is as follows: UAS: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC). SAR: Thursday, April 16, 2020 from 1:00–2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC) Safety Officers: Friday, April 17, 2020 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC) Maintenance: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
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Deadline for Submitting Nominations for IACP Leadership in Police Aviation Award Nominations is May 1st

The International Association of Chiefs of Police honors law enforcement agencies and officers that exhibit leadership, excellence, and professionalism with its annual awards. The IACP Leadership in Police Aviation Award recognizes public safety individuals and agencies that exemplify excellence in airborne law enforcement operations for both manned and unmanned aircraft operations in the law enforcement community. This award emphasizes initiatives that enhance general safety operations, accident prevention programs, and the efficiency and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement.
For additional information or to access the application forms, please click here. The nomination submission deadline is May 1, 2020.
Source: IACP
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Philippine National Police Helicopter Crashes

A Philippine National Police (PNP) helicopter crashed in early March, injuring PNP Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa and eight other officers, including three police generals. An investigation into the crash has been launched, and PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lieutenant General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said it should be completed soon, as numerous eyewitnesses saw the crash and videos documented the helicopter before and after it went down. Eleazar is head of the PNP Special Investigation Task Group Bell 429, which is examining the incident. Two of the ranking police officials were in critical condition following the crash.
Eleazar said investigators had an initial conversation with the aircraft’s pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Ruel Zalatar, and co-pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Rico Macawili, but are still considering the circumstances surrounding the accident.
SOURCE: www.philstar.com
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Two-Month-Old New Mexico State Helicopter Makes First Rescue

The New Mexico State Police Special Operations Aircraft Section assisted in locating a 40-year-old male motorcyclist who was lost and stuck in a muddy wilderness area near Mt. Taylor in mid-March. The motorcyclist had been out riding since the prior evening. The individual’s cell phone battery had died, and he reportedly did not have proper clothing for the weather. The New Mexico State Police Helicopter, ABLE 7, crewed by a pilot and two tactical flight officers, was launched to the area to locate the lost man. The crew located the individual in the wooded area at an elevation of 8,500 feet, safely landed and loaded him on the helicopter. He did not have any life-threatening injuries and was transported to a waiting ambulance, where he was medically evaluated.
The New Mexico State Police unveiled its new helicopter, an Airbus H145, just two months ago. The incident was the new aircraft’s first rescue mission.
SOURCE: www.ladailypost.com
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Hawaii Department Expands UAS Capabilities

The Kaua‘i (HI) Police Department has purchased software allowing it to gather footage from its unmanned aircraft and document and analyze crashes. The Kaua‘i City Council approved the purchase of a license for the new mapping software, which will also allow the department to produce high-quality maps and images during natural disasters and search-and-rescue operations.
The department has three sworn and certified FAA remote pilots. In 2018, it received FAA authorization to use drones for disaster response and recovery, post-incident crime-scene preservation and documentation, response to hazardous-materials spills, and search and rescue missions. The department expects the new mapping software to allow officers to evaluate potentially dangerous areas before entering.
SOURCE: www.thegardenisland.com
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Gunman Arrested After Firing at San Diego Police Helicopter

A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after he was accused of shooting a rifle at a San Diego (CA) Police Department helicopter, officials said in mid-March. Police were alerted to the suspect after receiving a call about a burglary. Residents said a man armed with a gun was banging on their door and making rambling statements. A police helicopter arrived in the area and was fired upon by the 46-year-old suspect. “Fearing for their safety, the pilot climbed to a higher altitude and broadcast his actions,” a police spokesperson said. A second round allegedly was then fired at the aircraft.
Ground officers arrived on scene and arrested the man without incident. “In addition to the rifle he used to shoot at [the police helicopter], officers recovered a shotgun, other firearms and several rounds of ammunition,” the police spokesperson said. The suspect was booked into county jail on two felony counts of attempted murder and three felony counts of assault with a firearm on a person, in addition to other charges.
SOURCE: timesofsandiego.com
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CEO of MD Helicopters Steps Down From Leadership

On March 23, Lynn Tilton stepped down as the CEO of MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI). However, she remains the largest single shareholder and a major creditor of MDHI. “Going forward, the company is being run and managed by the existing senior leadership team, who will continue to deliver strong and decisive leadership with a cohesive and strategic focus on ensuring excellence across all business operations,” an MDHI spokesperson said.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Tilton “walked away” from her roles at MDHI and other companies after being ordered by a bankruptcy judge to sell them to pay off massive debts. Tilton has been leading MDHI since her company Patriarch Partners acquired the troubled helicopter manufacturer in 2005.
Throughout, Tilton has been publicly bullish on the company’s prospects. At this year’s HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim, CA, Tilton promised that 2020 would be “a big year and a big expensive year” for MDHI as it pursued development of the MD 969 combat attack helicopter and glass cockpit upgrades for its single-engine product line. Even before the COVID-19 crisis struck, however, the company suffered a serious setback when Boeing won an $11 million judgment against MDHI over the rights to the AH-6i light attack reconnaissance helicopter, which an arbitration panel found was directly derived from the AH-6M Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB). MDHI sold Boeing the intellectual property needed to build the MELB in 2005.
Source: Vertical
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Aviation Specialties Creates Online NVG Recurrent Training Program

To serve the training needs of first responders and essential staff flying at night using NVGs, Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) announced in late March that they have developed a new instructor-led, web-based offering for required recurrent ground training. "We know that recurrent training must continue for pilots and crew members, and it is difficult to travel and train amidst the COVID-19 pandemic," said ASU Director of Training Josh Grier. "Our chief instructor pilot, Tony Tsantles, will be leading our new online courses to address this need."
The new ASU online recurrent training will be made available to anyone, anywhere that requires recurrent training. The course is designed to review NVG operational techniques and aeromedical factors during all phases of flight. Students will also refresh their NVG regulatory and procedural guidance IAW 14 CFR 61.31 (k)1. Training will meet and exceed all 8900.1 guidance for Part 135 operators.
"The classes will be live, interactive and engaging," said Tsantles. "Participants will obtain a certificate of completion. The class will allow organizations to reset their academic currency. We wanted to make sure that all the operations around the world that are flying remain compliant on their training requirements, and we wanted to create something to help them.”
ASU said the first classes would be available in the middle of April. Classes will be offered for both domestic and international operators that have current NVG certification. “ASU remains focused on helping our customers during this international pandemic,” said ASU President Jim Winkel. “We know those out there on the front line need sustainment and support so they can continue to save lives at night. We want to do our part in the fight against COVID-19. In a small and tangible way, our virtual classroom may help to accomplish this.”
In addition to the new classes, ASU recommends the following guidelines for disinfecting NVIS equipment. For AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles, reference the Operator’s Manual section for Care and Maintenance. To disinfect aircraft lighting with NVIS modifications, reference the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, Section 5-5. For both NVGs and aircraft lighting, ASU recommends using 90% Isopropyl alcohol for no residue. Click here for more information about the new class or to register.
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Alabama State Aviation Assists on Pursuit, Rescues Paraglider

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Aviation Unit helped end a multi-county police pursuit of a motorcycle on March 9. Just several days before the chase, the unit assisted on the rescue of a paraglider stuck in a tree for four hours.
The multi-county pursuit started in Etowah County and ended with a manhunt in New Hope and one individual in custody. ALEA said state troopers assisted in the pursuit, which also briefly involved an Etowah County deputy. The Madison County Sheriff's Office, Guntersville Police, Marshall County deputies and Owens Cross Roads Police also assisted. While the Owens Cross Roads Police Chief shot at the rider, no one was injured during the incident. The chase came to an end after the suspect fled on foot into a wooded area and the ALEA Aviation Unit directed ground troops to his location.
An ALEA spokesperson said the aviation unit’s paraglider rescue was difficult because the man was “about 70 feet off the ground, hanging onto a tree limb estimated to be about 4 inches in diameter.” The man was extracted by the helicopter crew from the tree after four attempts and taken to a nearby field, where fire medics transported him to awaiting emergency medical personnel. The rescue was a multi-agency effort including first responders on the ground from the Gurley Police Department, Huntsville Fire and Rescue, and Huntsville Emergency Medical Services.
SOURCE: www.rocketcitynow.com
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Missouri Department Begins Operating New UAS

The Columbia (MO) Police Department has begun deploying an unmanned aircraft system it purchased last October, and officials said the $20,000 aircraft has already begun to show its worth. Other than a helicopter, "nothing beats it," said Sergeant Chad Craig, author of the department's UAS policy.
The department's DJI Matrice 210 V2 is being used for missing person searches and gaining vantage points that might otherwise put officers in harm's way. The drone’s price tag includes a camera, extra lights, replacement insurance and more. The Columbia Police Department has seven officers certified by FAA to pilot the UAS, with an eighth preparing to take the exam. The department holds weekly training sessions to build familiarity with the drone, which has already been used in multiple circumstances, including a search for a person missing since October 2019, Craig said. Most recently, the drone was used to provide perspective during a standoff at a home.
SOURCE: www.columbiamissourian.com
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Canadian Unit Adds UAS for Traffic Investigations

The Peterborough Police Service in Ontario, Canada, has begun deploying a new unmanned aircraft system to assist in traffic investigations. The service purchased the drone at the end of December 2019. “Anytime we have a fatal collision or a serious bodily harm collision, we can use that to grab aerial photography,” Sergeant Ryan Wilson said. “We can use [the images] to give a point of view of what a driver might have been seeing at the time of a collision.” Wilson said the department might eventually use the UAS to gather GPS measurements at collision scenes.
Constable Matt Cumming is licensed by Transport Canada to pilot the drone. Cumming has been primarily performing training flights, but he has deployed the UAS to assist in the removal of vehicles from an Ontario river. Wilson said the department has no plans to expand UAS usage as police are still “getting our feet wet” with the aircraft. The service paid just under $2,000 for the drone.
SOURCE: www.globalnews.ca
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S.A.F.E. Postpones Maintenance Safety Symposium

S.A.F.E. Structure Designs announced late last month that the Maintenance Safety Symposium, “Troubleshooting Technology” scheduled for June 10 in Dallas, TX would be postponed until the fall. The conference hosted by S.A.F.E., Southern Utah University (SUU), and Helicopter Safety Alliance will be deferred in the wake of the COVID-19 situation. The conference will reschedule in Dallas with the original outstanding speakers and sponsors at a date to be announced.
“Although it is a disappointing to postpone the conference, our main concern is the safety and welfare of all the participants.” said Terry Palmer, director of the event. “We are dedicated to providing new and relevant information to mechanics that will assist them in maintaining the new high-tech aircraft. We will stay in touch with the maintenance community and provide updates on this event and other training resources.”
Source: S.A.F.E. Structure Designs
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Florida Men Apprehended With Help From Sarasota County Aviation

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit eventually tracked down two men who allegedly fled from area authorities in Florida in early March. The 33- and 27-year-olds face resisting officer and narcotics charges, according to a department statement. Tactical units were first alerted to the pair, who were riding bicycles, when they cut off a marked patrol vehicle. They fled when deputies approached them. The Aviation Unit was then deployed to assist, and the suspects were seen throwing a backpack into a wooded area while fleeing. The men later admitted they fled because they were in possession of drugs and had outstanding warrants. A search of the backpack revealed methamphetamine, pills and a glass pipe, along with bolt cutters and other tools.
“This is another great example of how beneficial our aviation unit is when it comes to supporting units on the ground,” Sheriff Tom Knight said. “Whether our helicopter is assisting on a felony traffic stop, a missing elderly patient or a brushfire, they offer a great deal of support by providing an extra eye from the sky. In this case, these narcotics and tools often used to commit burglaries may have never been recovered.”
SOURCE: www.yoursun.com
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New Zealand Police Helicopter Finds Kayaker Miles From Boat

An Auckland (New Zealand) City District Police helicopter crew helped rescue a “very experienced” kayaker who had drifted miles from his boat in choppy water in late February. Police received reports of an empty kayak two miles off Auckland’s Waiake Beach and dispatched a helicopter to search for the missing occupant. Winds at the time blew at 15-20 knots and created 2 meters of ocean swell. Footage released by Auckland City District Police shows the police helicopter searching for the kayaker, who was found treading water with a life jacket on. The man was pulled from the water by a supporting police boat. The kayaker said he owes his life to those who rescued him. “It is the kind of situation where you start accepting, because I really can’t do much, and nobody knows,” he said. “Suddenly, when I see the helicopter, and it is searching for me and actually found me, it was a massive relief.”
SOURCE: uk.news.yahoo.com
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Michigan Department Adds UAS to Vehicle Fleet

Hillsdale County (MI) Sheriff Tim Parker announced in early March the department has added a small unmanned aircraft system to its toolkit. The Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office used grant funding to purchase the aircraft, a DJI Matrice 210. “The…program will be primarily used for mapping crime scene and traffic crashes, allowing officers to conduct more thorough investigations yet cutting down on deputies on-scene and road closure times,” Parker said. Along with a standard camera for mapping, the UAS is equipped with a 30x optical zoom camera and thermal imager.
Four Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office staff members have been licensed to pilot the UAS. “The addition of the program is another example of Sheriff Parker’s and the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office commitment to providing the best equipment and investigations possible to the residents of Hillsdale County,” the department said in a press release. “We now join numerous other agencies across the nation utilizing advanced technology to serve our community.” The UAS unit will be available to multiple other county fire and law enforcement units when needed.
SOURCE: www.hillsdale.net
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New York County Department Rescues Hiker

The Westchester County (NY) Police Department Aviation Unit rescued a hiker who became stuck in thigh-high mud and tall grass on March 11. The man, who was not visible from shore and could not be removed via a land rescue, was pulled out of the mud by aviation unit personnel and brought aboard Air 3, one of Westchester County’s helicopters. The helicopter then landed in a parking area and turned the man over to waiting EMS personnel. He was treated for exposure and a laceration to his hand.
The 41-year-old man had been hiking along the Hudson River shoreline when the tide started to come in. He sank in the mud when he tried to cut through the marsh to stay on dry land. Patrol and emergency services officers from the Westchester County Police, along with firefighters from the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department, initially responded to attempt a rescue. The Westchester County Police Aviation and Marine Units also responded. Officers aboard the marine unit patrol boat were unable to see the man or get close enough to rescue him. Aviation located the victim, and the helicopter’s pilot lowered the aircraft into the marsh, navigating through the reeds and hovering only a few feet above the muddy terrain.
“Our Aviation Unit did a tremendous job today under challenging circumstances,” Commissioner Thomas Gleason said. “I commend Police Officer Pilot Richard Pucillo, Officer Sean Lonergan and Detective Israel Lopez for the proficiency and skill they demonstrated in making this rescue.”
SOURCE: www.verticalmag.com
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PAvCon Europe Cancels Event in Germany

In mid-March, the PAvCon Europe police aviation conference event scheduled for June 8-10, 2020 at the Bundespolizei police headquarters in central Berlin, Germany was cancelled due to growing Coronavirus issues and the need for the German Bundespolizei to meet the event and gathering guidelines of its government.
It is possible the event will be rescheduled toward the end of 2020 in a different region of Germany. Please check here for updates. In 2021, the PAvCon Europe Conference is scheduled to take place at the Luxembourg Police Air Support Unit during May or June 2021.
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AeroComputers Acquired by Challenger Aerospace

Early last month, Challenger Aerospace Systems announced the acquisition of AeroComputers Inc. Under the new name AeroComputers Corp., a dedicated team of professionals will continue operations from the same Oxnard, CA offices. The products, customer service and support for law enforcement agencies will continue with enhanced innovative solutions planned for public safety aviation. The company has been designing, building and marketing computer systems that manage tactical operations for public aircraft since 1993.
With over 750 systems currently employed by over 250 law enforcement, fire, government and public safety agencies worldwide, AeroComputers is the industry leader in providing mission management systems that integrate high precision live video overlay (augmented reality), GPS-based moving maps, EO/IR sensor command, video processing, and mission telemetry collection and transmission. AeroComputers’ complete suite of products includes mission management systems, real-time map/gimbal video integration, a range of ruggedized keyboards, and customized GIS and cartography services.
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APSA Welcomes New Members
APSA would like to welcome the following individual members who joined during March 2020:
Corporate Members: 
Alaris Unmanned Systems AT Systems, LLC AUTOFLUG GmbH Uniflight Global
Individual Members:
Pat Anderson, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Paul Apolinar, Phoenix (AZ) Police Department Nick Bassett, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Edward Brandt, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Kevin Brister, Tucson (AZ) Police Department Air Support Unit Grady Carrick, Enforcement Engineering, Inc. Robert Carte, Alaska Department of Public Safety Mike Conover, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Fenton Culley, Alameda County (CA) Sheriff's Office Paul Cusano, Westchester County (NY) Police Department Special Operations Division Aviation Unit Jeff Emelio, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Diego Galaso, Gwinnett County (GA) Police Department Andrew Greenwood, Picayune (MS) Municipal Airport/City of Picayune MS Michael Gunter, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Deniz Guraydin, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Matthew Harris, Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department Aviation Unit John Hill, San Ana (CA) Unified School District Police Balwant Jagur, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Conner Jensen, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Eric Kellenberger, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Steve Lewis, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Christopher, Lofstuen Minnesota (MN) Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Brian McDougle, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Frederick Osmond, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Sang Park, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Dave Parrett, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Michael Schutte, Colorado State Patrol Aircraft Section Trevor Schwertfeger, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Mark Scurria, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Jason Smith, Calgary (AB) Police Service: Air Support Unit Steve Thorns, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Todd Turner, Los Angeles (CA) Police Department Air Support Division Milana Walters, Winkler & Associates, LLC Scott Williams, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit Wayne Winkler, Winkler & Associates, LLC
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