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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.

In-Person Safety Seminar Heads to Maryland; Water Egress Training Registration Deadline is Today

APSA’s second Safety Seminar of 2021 will be held in Hunt Valley, MD, May 11-13, at the Delta Baltimore Hunt Valley Hotel. Registration is included as a benefit of membership for all active APSA Individual members; a $55 fee applies for non-members. This seminar will cover a wide range of topics through informative training classes, as well as round-table discussions. You’ll also see the latest aviation products and services displayed in our mini-tradeshow, while networking in person with your peers. Discounted room rates of $129 are available if secured by before April 27, 2021. More information and registration can be found here. 

For those wanting water egress and survival training, Survival Systems USA will conduct classroom and water instruction onsite at the Delta Baltimore Hunt Valley host hotel. The cost of that training is $295 (must be paid in advance) and a medical waiver must be completed. The class is limited to a minimum of 20 participants and a maximum of 30 participants. We must reach a minimum of 20 participants by close of business today, April 9, 2021, so please register if interested by emailing registrar@survivalsystemsinc.com or calling 860-405-0002 Ext. 114. We look forward to seeing you in Maryland!

May 1 Deadline: APSA Accepting 2021 Award Nominations & Scholarship Applications

For over 40 years, APSA has encouraged the highest standards of professionalism in public safety aviation by acknowledging outstanding performance within our specialized industry. Through the Awards & Scholarships Program, we recognize excellence by our members, their children and others whose actions have had a positive impact on our profession.

Annually, APSA presents seven awards for exceptional performance in or contributions to public safety aviation. And this year, APSA has 17 scholarships totaling $41,500 available to recognize the academic achievements of our members’ children. The submission deadline is May 1, 2021. Scholarship recipients and award winners will be announced during APSCON 2021 in New Orleans as part of the association’s 50th annual conference & exposition. The scholarships will be presented during the General Membership Meeting on Thursday, July 29, and the awards will be presented during the Awards Reception on Friday, July 30. For full details and to submit nominations and applications, click here. 

APSA and Forensic Mapping Solutions Present Pix4D Virtual Training

APSA and Forensic Mapping Solutions, Inc. have partnered to conduct a Pix4D 2-day virtual training event, April 22-23, 2021. Pix4D is the leading photogrammetry software for drone mapping, transforming images into 2D and 3D digital evidence. This virtual 2-day course will provide attendees the necessary instruction to successfully process a crash or crime scene using aerial photogrammetry with Pix4D Mapper software. This training provides a “crash/crime scene to courtroom” workflow utilizing Pix4D generated orthomosaic images and point cloud data in the most common third-party software. Use of the Pix4D Capture Application will also be reviewed and discussed. A 15-day full access Pix4D Mapper license will be provided to each student. Course is ACTAR approved for 16 CEUs. The course is from 0900-1730 each day.

The cost of registration is $395 for members; $450 for non-members. The agenda and registration information can be found here. All attendees must be registered to participate. Please call our office at 301-631-2406 for assistance.

 On-The-Road: Don’t Miss NIST sUAS Train-the-Trainer Course

APSA is pleased to offer the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sUAS Standard Test Methods Train-the-Trainer Course. These On-the-Road events will feature 24 hours of classroom and hands-on flight instruction at a cost of $275. Five (5) courses are currently scheduled:

• Burnet, TX - May 22-24
• Alameda County, CA - June 10-12
• Creve Coeur, MO – July 22-24
• Lafayette, IN - September 23-25
• Niceville, FL - October 14-16, 2021

Location details, course and registration information, and as a listing of local hotels can be found here. 

The NIST sUAS Standard Test Methods are an excellent way to add a sUAS pilot flight skills credentialing component to your sUAS program. NIST has created a comprehensive user guide, scoring forms, and apparatus targets that can be printed and placed in the test apparatus buckets. Attendees will learn how to fabricate apparatuses, conduct trials, and embed them into their own training and credentialing programs. The NIST sUAS Test Methods have been adopted, or are under consideration for adoption, by the Airborne Public Safety Accreditation Commission, National Fire Protection Association, and ASTM International.

Attendees should be experienced sUAS pilots who want to hone their skills, evaluate sensor systems and/or have a desire to train and evaluate other sUAS pilots. Attendees must bring their own quadcopter style sUAS, capable of at least 15 minutes of flight time, equipped with a camera. Additional sUAS batteries and a battery charging station are also required. A laptop computer is highly desirable.

On-The-Road in Spokane: UAS Tactical Operators Course, May 11-13

Instructed by Tactical Drone Concepts, the Tactical sUAS Operators Course is three days of intensive training designed to increase piloting skills and provide students with the ability to operate in non-traditional sUAS environments. Students will be exposed to the equipment, tools, and techniques necessary to expand their sUAS program for the tactical environment. Each day will consist of four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of flight instruction, applying sUAS capabilities to real world scenarios.

Hosted by the Spokane County (WA) Sheriff’s Office, the course will take place May 11-13 at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Training Center from 0800-1700 daily. The cost is $795.

Students will:
• Understand and apply techniques for interior operations
• Develop teaming concepts for use with other units or capabilities
• Utilize the sUAS as point and overwatch during tactical scenarios
• Understand Weight & Balance and Center of Gravity considerations for sUAS
• Identify issues associated with working in controlled airspace
• Operate as direct support for tactical team or SWAT operations

Don’t miss this fantastic learning opportunity; register here.

Registration Now Open for APSCON 2021

The Airborne Public Safety Association’s annual conference, APSCON, is on track to being held live and in person this year in New Orleans. APSA is delighted to bring the event back after a one-year COVID-induced hiatus. APSCON 2021, our 50th annual conference & exposition, will be held from July 26 to 31. Filled with education and training, APSCON offers the best conference courses and classes in the industry, and the conference’s expo hall showcases the latest cutting-edge technology for public safety aviation. You can find more information on our website. Registration is open now, so start making your plans for New Orleans this summer. We look forward to seeing you there!

APSA’s Tech Talk Tuesday Series Continues

APSA has extended its popular Tech Talk Tuesday Series through April 2021. Fashioned after the Tech Talks offered in the exhibit hall each year during APSCON, these 60-minute online events allow corporate members to promote their products and services directly to membership. The presentations are available at no charge to attendees as a benefit of membership; however, registration is required. Upcoming Tech Talks are: April 13, “Maybe: The Things Your Installer Didn’t Tell You” from Macro-Blue; April 20, “Enhanced Awareness, Quicker Detections” from Sentient Vision; and April 27, “Software Solutions That Bring Together Missions, Maintenance and SMS” from Airborne Commander. Visit the APSA website for the most up-to-date listing of Tech Talk Tuesday subjects and presenters and/or to register for these informative presentations.

APSA Schedules Online Remote Pilot-in-Command Course

APSA is pleased to offer our Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) Course online, June 2-4, 2021. APSA’s RPIC course is designed to provide students with a review of the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Process and prepare students to pass the FAA Pilot’s Exam. Successful completion requires attendance of all online sessions.

Register here by May 12th as a minimum of 30 paid registrants by this date is required to conduct the course.

PAvCon 2021 To Be a 1-Day Virtual Event Facilitated by APSA

Due to the cancellation of a conventional face-to-face PAvCon Europe this year, Police Aviation Research is teaming up with the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) to conduct a PAvCon branded virtual training event. PAvCon Europe 2021 will be conducted on Monday, June 7th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Central European Time (CET), as a live, interactive webinar consisting of five distinct 1-hour sessions instructed by notable leaders in police aviation including Harald, Brink, Luc Stremersch, Haiko Kroeze, David Howell, Joseba Mendizabal and Bryan Smith.

This event will open to all but registration is required to receive the log-in information. The agenda, registration link, and additional information can be found here. Please join us for this truly international event focused on European public safety aviation.

Calgary Police HAWCS Welcomes Second Airbus H125

Within the past year, Eagle Copters Ltd. has delivered two fully customized new Airbus H125 helicopters for the Calgary Police Services Air Support Unit (CPS). Working in conjunction with CPS and Airbus, the highly configured “HAWCS” have being servicing Calgaryʼs public safety needs since September 2020.

“On behalf of Calgary Police Service Air Support Unit (CPS), we are proud of the dedication from Airbus, Eagle Copters and CPS colleagues, and their contributions to our H125 project. This will surely make a difference in the safety of Calgarians,” said Sergeant Tanya Paziuk, Calgary Police Service, Air Support Unit. “These aircraft keep the city safe and save many lives. Thanks for being a part of our legacy and commitment to servicing and protecting the citizens of Calgary.”

Helicopter Air Watch for Community Safety (HAWCS) has made a significant impact in Calgaryʼs community thanks to these aircraft. In 2020, operational flying hours were 2783, calls for service 4617, the total number of charges 2736, 2000 of which were criminal charges.

The Airbus H125 represents much more than a helicopter; it is a continuous commitment to ensure aerial safety to the community. “CPS is flying 10 hours a day. It is a helicopter you can count on. This is why the H125 is the reference for airborne law enforcement,” said Dwayne Charette, President and CEO of Airbus.

“Eagle Copters is very pleased to be part of this celebration. We first acknowledge and appreciate the work that the Calgary Police Service does for our local community. Secondly, we appreciate Airbus for entrusting us to complete a highly specialized version of the H125 helicopter, well suited for use in this role. Our participation in bringing this to fruition, though mostly technical, is rewarding and in testimony to our dedicated staff here in Calgary makes us a proud partner,” commented Mike OʼReilly, President of Eagle Copters Ltd.

Source: Eagle Copters Ltd. Press Release

Renowned UAS Program Expands Again

The Chula Vista (CA) Police Department can now cover 100 percent of the city’s area with its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. The department has been able to deploy drones as first responders for select law enforcement situations since 2018. In August 2019, the program was expanded to cover 33 percent of the city’s area. The Federal Aviation Administration gave the department permission to expand coverage to all of Chula Vista in mid-March.

Chula Vista is the first police agency in the country to cover its entire jurisdiction with a DFR program. Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy said the program helps reduce response times and keeps the community and officers safe. “These drones provide real time information to our officers while they're in the field,” Kennedy said. “They arrive usually prior to officers' arrival. And they are able, through their cell phones or their mobile data computers, to feed them live information about what’s actually occurring.” The police chief said one of the main advantages of the drones is helping de-escalate situations.

The Chula Vista Police Department said its DFR program has responded to more than 5,400 calls for service to date, and drones were first on-scene at over 2,500 incidents. The department said it logs all drone flights, and flight data and maps are available on the police department website.

SOURCE: www.kpbs.org 

NSW Police Receives New Simulator License to Keep EC-135s Flying

Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Police Force will be able to continue operating its EC-135 helicopters after the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) granted a dual military and civilian qualification to the Thales Reality H EC-135 flight simulator. The coronavirus pandemic had prevented NSW pilots from conducting training overseas. “The certification by CASA is a triumph of collaboration and teamwork across multiple government organizations and industry partners…all working together to meet the rigorous requirements of civilian qualification in a compressed time frame,” the Thales Group said in a statement. “This is the first time a rotary wing flight simulator has achieved dual military and civilian qualifications in Australia.”

NSW Police’s Aviation Commander, Superintendent Matt Appleton, said the certification couldn’t have come at a better time. “Despite the current pandemic, state and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to ensure that our officers receive the necessary training and qualifications,” Appleton said. “We’re very grateful that we can utilize this simulation training so we can continue to provide excellent service to the people of NSW.”

SOURCE: www.australianaviation.com.au 

Atlanta Police Aviation Gets Assist for NBA All-Star Game

The Atlanta (GA) Police Department Aviation Unit was busy during NBA All-Star weekend in early March. Officials reported more than a dozen vehicle chases throughout metro Atlanta over the three-day period. All individuals involved were arrested. “We have a wider viewpoint, and we are able to see a lot more," said Atlanta Police Sergeant James Hoos, who leads the airborne unit. The Atlanta Police Department fleet is made up of two patrol helicopters and a special mission helicopter. The department conducts each flight with a pilot and tactical flight officer.

Officials said NBA All-Star weekend brought both crowds and crime. In all, the Atlanta Police Department Aviation Unit assisted on 13 of 18 pursuits. “Chasing them like this is a necessary evil,” Hoos said. “[One] guy had multiple warrants and is a violent felon. You can’t let him go, but you have to take the risk and navigate as best as possible.”

SOURCE: www.fox5atlanta.com 

Upcoming Online Meeting Groups; Join Us!

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR personnel, and UAS operators that you can join using your computer, mobile device or phone. And new for 2021, we have added a Natural Resources Meeting Group. To facilitate this, the UAS, Safety Officer and Maintenance Technician Meeting Groups will meet once every two months, and the SAR Personnel and Natural Resources Meeting Groups will meet quarterly.

These 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:

• SAR: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 1:00–2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
• UAS: Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 1:00–2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
• Safety Officers: Friday, May 28, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
• Maintenance: Wednesday, June 9, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)
• Natural Resources: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

Flight Crew Honored for Saving Girl One Year Later

A medical and police flight crew in Caroline County (VA) were honored last month for saving a 2-year-old girl’s life after she got lost in the woods with her family’s dog. The Chesterfield Fire and EMS gave the Life-Saving award for their actions almost a year later.

Crewmembers from the Caroline County (VA) Sheriff’s Office, Chesterfield County Fire and EMS, VCU Health, and the Virginia State Police Aviation Unit said saving the little girl was a team effort. Family, neighbors, sheriff’s deputies and K9s searched for the 2-year-old on land while the flight team took to the sky. The little girl and dog were lost for about three hours before the flight crew spotted the dog’s bright collar, lowered down and found the girl soaking wet in a swamp. After all that, the child luckily had just a few scratches.

Source: www.8News.com  

Air Beat Photo Contest Open; Submit Your Best Shots!

Captured a great photo lately? Enter your best shots in Air Beat magazine's 2021 Photo Contest to win a GoPro HERO9 Black camera. You're going to love GoPro’s newest features; enter Air Beat's photo contest this month 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 submission deadline is June 30, 2021; entries are being accepted at www.airbeatmagazine.com. The more photos you submit, the greater your chances of winning. The grand prize will be awarded at the General Membership Meeting at APSCON 2021 in New Orleans, LA. The winner is not required to be present.

Colorado State Patrol Ramping Up UAS Use for Crash Analysis

The Colorado State Patrol investigated 3,511 fatal and injury crashes last year. This year, dozens of troopers across the state are becoming certified operators of unmanned aircraft systems and turning hours into minutes for crash scene reconstruction at most large-scale incidents. “Over the years, we’ve moved from pencils and tape measures to robotic total stations, and that brought our time down from eight hours to two to three hours while reconstructing a scene,” Colorado State Patrol Captain Darrell Aulston said. “By using this technology, we can complete our investigations even quicker and with greater accuracy. Oftentimes, we can complete the mapping step of the investigation in 10 minutes or less.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, the likelihood of a secondary crash increases by 2.8 percent for each minute a primary incident continues to be a hazard. By speeding up data collection for crash scene reconstruction, drones are helping investigators clear roads after an accident and reducing the potential for secondary crashes. UAS also allow troopers to complete investigations without standing on or near roadways.

SOURCE: www.uasvision.com 

IACP Accepting Nominations for 2021 Leadership in Police Aviation Award Until April 15

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual awards honor law enforcement agencies and officers that exhibit leadership, excellence, and professionalism. 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. Nominations are being accepted now through April 15, 2021.

This award emphasizes initiatives that enhance general safety operations, accident prevention programs, and the efficiency and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement. IACP members and non-members are eligible to submit nominations and be nominated for any of the awards. Click here for additional information or email them at awards@theiacp.org. The IACP Leadership in Police Aviation Award will be presented during IACP’s 2021 annual conference in New Orleans, Sept. 11-14, 2021.

Collier County Sheriff Use Its UAS to Find Fleeing Suspect

The Collier County (FL) Sheriff’s Office was able to locate a fleeing suspect with the help of its drone in the air watching over him until officers were able to get to him and take into custody. The man has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill, with another charge in a neighboring county.

Reports suggest that the suspect got into an argument with a female outside a residence earlier in the week, in which he allegedly pulled a handgun on her and said, “Today is the day. All I need is one bullet.” He then left the residence, with the police getting the call to step in shortly after. Rather than calling in a helicopter or looking on foot, the CCSO called in drone support to find the suspect. Multiple drones were sent up to search areas near the residence at which he was last seen. Not long after, one of the drones spotted a suspicious-looking man hiding behind large bins in what looked to be a parking lot. Officers were then notified of the man’s location, where an arrest was made.

The suspect was on bond for multiple drug charges, including fentanyl trafficking and cocaine trafficking. He also had a warrant out for his arrest for failure to appear for driving while his license was suspended or revoked.

Source: DroneDJ

Illinois Department Uses UAS to Free Stuck Army Boat

The Oswego (IL) Fire Department deployed an unmanned aircraft system on March 21 in response to a historic U.S. Army tugboat LT-5 being stuck on a sandbar in Oswego Harbor. While two of officers manned the department’s light watercraft and approached the 78-year-old vessel, Chief Randy Griffin had an overhead view of what would become an hour-long rescue. Controlled by another Oswego officer, the aircraft was equipped with high-definition and infrared cameras. The drone command station, with multiple screens to view a complete scene panoramic, was set up nearby in an Oswego Fire Department truck. “Not that long ago—a few years maybe—something like that would have required calling another agency and asking if we could use their helicopter, and if not, trying to ask another agency who may have a drone or similar setup,” Griffin said. “Now, we can get a view of everything that’s happening within minutes.”

The Oswego Fire and Police departments have worked together to maintain the city’s unmanned aircraft program. Griffin said the departments started using drones in 2018 to monitor a large festival gathering of kayakers. Since then, the program has grown to include five UAS.

SOURCE: www.oswegocountynewsnow.com 

Hero Officer’s Name Added to Tampa Police Helicopter

The name of fallen Tampa Police Department Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen has been added to one of the agency's helicopters. It's a sort of solemn tradition for the department and one that honors the officer for his sacrifice to the community, police said in a news release. The 45-year-old officer died on March 9 trying to protect others; his name joins a list of 32 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty since 2010.

“These men are the ones that have represented us throughout the years, and they have put their life on the line so that others can be safe and so that others can continue on with their life,” TPD Chief Pilot Chris Shepherd said. Officer Madsenʼs name will forever be etched on the tail of the TPD helicopter. “It’s an honor to be able to go up there and represent the significance of what this officer has done for us,” Officer Shepherd said. “We try to make this a true honor to fly for his funeral because of what he’s done to keep the rest of us safe.”

Source: BayNews9

FAA Announces Effective Dates for Final Drone Rules

The final rules requiring remote identification of drones and allowing some flights over people, over moving vehicles and at night under certain conditions will go into effect on April 21, 2021.

Remote identification (Remote ID) requires identification of drones in flight as well as the location of their control stations or takeoff point. It provides crucial information to national security and law enforcement partners, and other officials charged with ensuring public safety. Airspace awareness reduces the risk of drone interference with other aircraft, people and property on the ground. The Operations Over People rule applies to pilots who fly under Part 107. The ability to fly over people and over moving vehicles varies depending on the level of risk a small drone operation presents to people on the ground. Additionally, this rule allows operations at night under certain conditions. Prior to flying under the new provisions, a remote pilot must pass the updated initial knowledge test or complete the appropriate updated online training course, which became available on April 6.

Part 107 currently prohibits drone operations over people, over moving vehicles and at night unless the operator obtains a waiver from the FAA. The new FAA regulations jointly provide increased flexibility to conduct certain small drone operations without obtaining a waiver.

The Operations Over People rule requires that remote pilots have their remote pilot certificate and identification in their physical possession when flying. It also expands the class of authorities who may request these documents from a remote pilot. The final rule replaces the 24 calendar month requirement to complete a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test with the requirement to complete updated online recurrent training that includes the rule’s new provisions.

The Remote ID and Operations Over People Rule can be found in the Federal Register.

Source: FAA Press Release

Highlight Your Aviation Unit in Air Beat

Most articles you read in APSA’s Air Beat magazine come from members like you. With the help of our editorial staff, it’s easy to spotlight the great work of your aviation unit with an article in Air Beat. (It’s our editor’s job to make you look good, so don’t worry if you’re not a writer.) Whether your missions involve law enforcement, emergency medical transport, natural resource conservation, firefighting, or search and rescue, or if you operate helicopters, fixed-wing or unmanned platforms, we’d love to hear from you. Email Lisa Wright at airbeat@publicsafetyaviation.org for information.

Chico Police to Launch UAS Program

The Chico (CA) Police Department has purchased five unmanned aircraft systems and other equipment to start a drone program. Four officers, a sergeant and a lieutenant will oversee the program. The program’s price tag was not in the department’s budget; however, it received a $26,000 donation from the Chico Community Benefit Luncheon, a local nonprofit also known as Chico Cioppino Feed. According to Lieutenant Mike Williams, who will direct Chico’s UAS program, the nonprofit approached the department directly about making the donation.

The Chico Police Department drone program will be the first of its kind among law enforcement agencies in Butte County. The Chico Fire Department uses a drone for fire operations and occasionally to assist police on missing persons cases and searches. The police department has traditionally relied on helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft from the California Highway Patrol and Butte County Sheriff’s Office for aerial support.

SOURCE: www.chicoer.com 

Michigan State Aviation Helps Grand Rapids in Special Operations

The Michigan State Police Aviation Unit assisted the Grand Rapids Police Department in late March on its Operation: Safe Neighborhoods. The operation involved strategic enforcement of violent crime around the city and resulted in 19 arrests (five felonies, 10 misdemeanors, three warrants and one bond violation), four recovered firearms, 11 citations and two recovered stolen vehicles. In addition, personnel confiscated significant amounts of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Arrest charges included fleeing and eluding, attempting to disarm a police officer, resisting and obstructing and possession with intent to deliver.

Grand Rapids experienced an unprecedented level of violent crime in 2020, and the local police chief said the department is dedicated to reversing the trend. “I am devoted to the mission of making Grand Rapids the safest midsized city in the U.S.,” Chief Eric Payne said. “I am equally steadfast in the belief that I must use every available and proven resource I have at my disposal to achieve that mission.” Payne said he recognizes airborne resources can disrupt the community. “No one wants to be sitting in their living room listening to a helicopter flying overhead, including me,” the chief said. “But I have to weigh what’s happening on our streets with how people may feel. We conducted door to door engagement during the week leading up to this operation, and the residents made it clear that they were glad we were there.”

SOURCE: www.miheadlines.com 

Paraclete Earns Helmet Certifications, Expands Police Customer Base

Paraclete Aviation Life Support has announced five new law enforcement clients and secured certification for four of its five Aegis D Type 1 helmet sizes, all five Aspida Type 1 sizes, and all five Aspida Carbon sizes via the U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Forest Service’s civilian helmet aviation standard. The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing, Santa Barbara County (CA) Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, Yellowstone National Park Service, Glendale (CA) Police Department and National Police Agency of Japan selected the Paraclete helmet for use in their public safety aviation units.

“We tested helmets from a variety of different companies, but after testing the Aspida Carbon, our unit unanimously decided on Paraclete,” said Patrick Hamblin, an officer with the Glendale Police Department. “Prior to our research, we were not as familiar with Paraclete, so we called other agencies…based on their responses, we were excited to give the company a try.”

SOURCE: www.airmedandrescue.com 

South African Police Has Four Helicopters Down at One Time

The South African Police Service (SAPS) was left with no aviation support in the Eastern Cape in early March, as all four of its law enforcement helicopters in the province were out of service. One of the aircraft had been out of operation for more than 2.5 years; another had been down for nearly two years. Bobby Stevenson of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature raised concerns about the effect on crime fighting in the province. “Criminals need to live in fear of the sound of helicopters overhead and searchlights at night,” Stevenson told the assembly. “This is what is required to hunt them down if we are going to have an effective criminal justice system.”

SAPS officials said one helicopter had been booked for its 12-year inspection in September 2018 and was expected to return to service before the end of March. A second aircraft was involved in a forced landing that damaged its engine in November 2020. And while seven pilots typically operate the police helicopters in the province, only five were available at the time of the grounding events.

SOURCE: www.timeslive.co.za 

Winston-Salem to Launch New UAS Unit

The Winston-Salem (NC) city council approved a new unmanned aircraft division for the Winston-Salem Police Department. “We can use it to access crime scenes,” Lieutenant John Morris said. “We can use it for large accident scenes. [There are] so many uses for this.” Morris said he was thrilled the research and training the department put into launching the unit had paid off. The department expects to use its UAS for a variety of purposes, including providing assistance at fires and major wrecks and finding lost children and senior citizens.

The Winston-Salem Police Department now has four unmanned aircraft and several officers certified to fly them. Two of the department’s new UAS have thermal imagers. Morris said more officers were undergoing training, and the department will continue looking for opportunities to use the drones.

SOURCE: www.wxii12.com 

Ohio State Police Aviation Helps Nab Reckless Motorcyclist

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) arrested a Columbus man after a department aircraft clocked his motorcycle going nearly 100 mph on March 20. A chase ensued and was captured on the OSHP Aviation Unit’s camera. See video of the pursuit here. 

Initially, there were two motorcyclists, who split up when the chase began. The OSHP airplane remained over one of them, who eventually ditched his bike on an exit ramp. “He’s trying to hit people,” the OSHP TFO said. “He just got off his bike. He just dumped it in the grass. He’s on the exit of 70 and Wilson. He’s now running. He dumped the bike. He’s running northbound towards Wilson.” Led by the TFO’s directions, ground officers captured the man and charged him with failure to comply, speeding, reckless vehicle operation, no motorcycle endorsement and driving under a suspension.

SOURCE: www.wkrg.com 

Michigan Public Safety Agencies Relying Heavily on UAS

The Brighton Police Department recently took delivery of a $20,000 unmanned aircraft, making it the latest Michigan public safety agency to deploy drone technology. Michigan State Police became the first law enforcement agency in the nation authorized to use drones for public safety purposes in 2015. Since then, many of the state’s police and fire departments have adopted UAS, including the Livingston County Sheriff's Department, Greek Oak Township Police Department, Hamburg Fire Department and Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority, among others.

The Livingston County Sheriff's Department has been using UAS since 2017. Sergeant Chad Sell said the department now has five drones and seven officers licensed to fly them. “Five sounds like a lot, but the reason we have so many is because the technology keeps getting better,” Sell said. “We're using our current ones until their end of life—three of them aren't made anymore and the other two are newer and get used more frequently.” Sell said the sheriff's department’s UAS are called out 20-30 times a year. Their primary use is traffic crash reconstruction.

SOURCE: www.livingstondaily.com 

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA’s networking, education and training opportunities are unique and specialized for public safety aviation. Let your colleagues and friends know about APSA. Thank you for your membership and helping APSA continue to grow. We would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during March 2021:

Corporate Members:

Avidyne Corp - FL
Helitowcart (Vanair Inc)
Metamaterial Inc. (META)
United Rotorcraft

Individual Members:

Matt Adams, Chesterfield City (MO) Police Department
Mark Adams, Texas Department of Public Safety (Midland Duty Station)
Kyle Anderson, Florissant (MO) Police Department
Daniel Arsenault, Eureka (MO) Police Department
Chance Boulware, Texas Department of Public Safety (Midland)
Brett Bowling, Florissant (MO) Police Department
Bryan Branson, Chesterfield City (MO) Police Department
Akin Bryant, University of Michigan DPSS
Dave Bryden, Calgary (AB) Police Service: Air Support Unit
Allen Cameron, Illinois Fire Service Institute
Denise Corcoran, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Jason Corson, Hazelwood (MO) Police Department
Joseph Coughlin, Wentzville (MO) Police Department
Williams David, Anderson University
Williams David, Anderson University (SC)
Eric David, Columbus (OH) Police Department Aviation Section - Helicopter Unit
Christopher Fenton, Chesterfield (MO) City Police Department
Jason Fleetwood, Nixa (MO) Police Department
Bailey Forbes, Florissant (MO) Police Department
Jeffery Franklin, University (MO) City Police Department
Mark Friesen, Calgary (AB) Police Service: Air Support Unit
John Gaspardo, U.S. Navy
Marco Gonzalez, Austin (TX) Police Department
Eric Graham, Hannibal (MO) Police Department
Jeff Hadhazy, Civilian Air Patrol
Jeffrey Hebert, Honolulu (HI) Police Department
Jeffrey Hebert, Honolulu (HI) Police Dept.
Joshua Heins, Maryland State Police Aviation Command
Matt Hellwig, Richmond Heights (MO) Police Department
Stephen Hill, Wentzville (MO) Police Department
Dustin Houston, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Alex Johns, US Coast Guard
Jeremy Johnson, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Carey Jones, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Daniel Kerckhoff, Florissant (MO) Police Department
James Lantz, Maryland State Police Aviation Command
Taylor Leonard, Washington County (TX) EMS
Jason Locke, Hannibal (MO) Police Department
Derek Loeffel, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Alan Love, East Bay (CA) Regional Park District Police (Hayward)
Whitney Lowe, California Highway Patrol | Golden Gate Division
Josia Matare, Calidus LLC
Michael Matson, Hawthorne (CA) Police Department
Andrew Mattaline, Chesterfield City (MO) Police Department
Cory McCarter, CSX Railroad Police Department
Mark Miller, Virginia Beach (VA) Police Department
Cory Mills, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Craig Mueller, Richmond Heights (MO) Police Department
Joseph Muklevicz, East/West Industries, Inc.
Jacob Nacke, Hannibal (MO) Police Department
Joe Pangburn, Boonville (MO) Police Department
Shane Placeway, Richmond Heights (MO) Police Department
Robert Powell, Eureka (MO) Police Department
Kevin Pyatt, Wentzville (MO) Police Department
Dave Reich, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Clinton Reno, Excelsior Springs (MO) Police Department
Mike Sanders, Richmond Heights (MO) Police Department
Pablo Santano, Policia de la Ciudad De Buenos Aires (Chile)
Alec Saunders, East Bay (CA) Regional Park District Police (Hayward)
Mark Seevers, Columbus (OH) Police Department Aviation Section - Helicopter Unit
Jacob Senecal, Seminole (FL) County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section
Aaron Smith, Prince George’s County (MD) Police Department
Odin Spinka, Richmond Heights (MO) Police Department
TJ Stemmler, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Tony Stewart, Ellisville (MO) Police Department
Ryan Strohm, Nixa (MO) Police Department
Richard Ulrich, Chesterfield City (MO) Police Department
Joe Veselsky, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Chad Walton, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Michael Wamsganz, University City (MO) Police Department
Larry Weaver, Covington County (AL) Sheriff's Office
David Williams, Anderson University
Mark Woodfin, Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department
Jennifer Yoxall, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey