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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 Hosts Successful NOLA Conference, Honors Excellence

APSCON 2021 was the Airborne Public Safety Association’s 50^th annual conference & exposition, held in New Orleans, July 26-31. Filled with education and training, APSCON continually offers the best conference courses and classes in the industry, and this year’s conference expo hall showcased over 120 vendors featuring the latest cutting-edge technology for public safety aviation. APSA corporate partners held some awesome networking events at places like The Fillmore (Bell), Barcadia (MDHI) and Mardi Gras World (Airbus). A full APSCON 2021 recap will be published in the Sept-Oct issue Air Beat magazine.

During the APSA Awards reception, several members were honored. They recipients include the APSA Safety Award to John Cooper, Columbus (OH) Division of Police Helicopter Unit (Ret.); Fixed-Wing Operator Award to Sgt. Hans Schirmer, Ontario Provincial Police Aviation Services; Unmanned Aerial Systems Award to Sgt. Matt Rogers, Michigan State Police; Robert L. Cormier Award to Dave Taylor, Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Bureau; Tactical Flight Officer Award to Christian Smith, San Jose (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit; Technical Specialist Award to Marc Foreman, Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department Air Support Unit; and the Captain “Gus” Crawford Memorial Aircrew of the Year Award to Deputy Johnny Reyes and Deputy Greg Villanueva (pictured with Ron Kelley of award sponsor Airbus and APSA President Richard Bray) of the Fresno County (CA) Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit. Congratulations to APSA 2021 award winners, and thanks to all the members who serve, save and protect every day.

APSA On-The-Road: NIST sUAS Train-the-Trainer Course

APSA is offering 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 and evaluation at a cost of $275. Courses currently scheduled are:

• Fairfax, VA - August 12-14
• Lafayette, IN - September 23-25
• Niceville, FL - October 14-16, 2021
• Glendale, CA - November 5-7, 2021
• Grand Forks, ND - December 18-20, 2021

Location details, course and registration information, and a listing of local hotels can be found here.   A minimum of 30 paid registrants per course at least 21 days in advance is required to conduct these courses, so register today!

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 California: APSA TFO Course, September 20 - 22

APSA will offer a Tactical Flight Officer Course, Sept. 20-22 in Alameda County, CA. Hosted by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the course will provide aircrew members the tactical skills and information necessary to safely and successfully support ground units engaged in a variety of law enforcement missions. Although specifically designed for tactical flight officers, the course is applicable to pilots, crewmembers and unit supervisors. Attendees will learn crew coordination, how to set up a perimeter, directing ground unit activities from the air, managing vehicle pursuits and conducting thermal imagery searches. Attendees will also learn about specialized equipment and how to use the most common TFO tools. The class meets one of the requirements for TFO training related to unit accreditation. Successful completion requires attendance at all 24 hours of classroom courses. Visit the APSA website to learn more.

SOURCE: APSA

On-The-Road in Florida: Tactical Drone Operator Course, September 28-30

Instructed by Tactical Drone Concepts, the Tactical Drone Operator 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 drone program for the tactical environment. Each day will consist of four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of flight instruction, applying drone capabilities to real world scenarios.

Hosted by Northwest Florida State College, the course will take place September 28-30 at their campus in Niceville, FL 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 drone 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 operations

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

SOURCE: APSA

Public Safety Drone Expo 2021: Make Your Plans Now

Registration for Public Safety Drone Expo 2021 is open! Scheduled for Oct. 18-22 at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, NV, PSDE provides the only dedicated expo for public safety drone operators covering operations, management, and safety.

Expanded to 4.5 days this year, PSDE 2021 will offer a combination of interactive public safety specific UAS courses, classes and general sessions that will focus on law enforcement, fire and SAR applications. Attendees will learn from top experts and public safety operators offering their insights into best practices, fundamentals and integration. The Expo Hall will provide access to industry service providers, manufacturers, advocates and thought leaders who bring together cutting-edge technology and applications.

Courses, scheduled for Oct. 18-20, include:

• Public Safety Drone Unit Manager
• Safety Management Systems & Human Factors for Drone Operations
• Basic Public Safety Drone Operations
• Advanced Public Safety Drone Operations
• Tactical Drone Operators
• Pix4D Forensic Mapping

Check out the APSA websitefor additional information and to register. Do it today! 

Huntington Beach Police Purchases Three New Helicopters

The Huntington Beach (CA) Police Department (HBPD) Air Support Unit recently signed a purchase agreement for three MD 530F helicopters in the law enforcement configuration. The department signed the purchase agreement during a ceremony attended by Alan Carr, sole director of MD Helicopters’ board of directors. HBPD has owned and operated MD helicopters for more than 40 years. Delivery of the first new aircraft will occur in the first quarter of 2022. The second and third aircraft will be delivered later next year.

“We always look for what best fits our mission of patrol, lifeguard deployments, Bambi Bucket operations and other auxiliary duties,” said Sergeant Jeff Goodspeed, HBPD Air Support Unit Supervisor. “Over the last two years, we conducted exhaustive research of every possible helicopter that could meet our mission needs. We flew aircraft, contacted other police departments who flew those aircraft, and interviewed helicopter manufacturer representatives to ensure we had a comfort level with the aircraft for both our pilots and our mechanics. When the City of Huntington Beach sent out an open bid for replacement helicopters, all the helicopter manufacturers we researched put in a bid. In the end, one platform stood out above all the others.”

The MD 530F single-engine helicopter incorporates an advanced NVIS interior designed to enhance safety during nighttime patrol, surveillance and tactical operations. Its enhanced certified glass cockpit features the Garmin G500TXi Electronic Flight Instrument System, Howell Electronic Engine Instruments and Crew Alert Systems, and Garmin GTN 750 Touchscreen NAV/COM/GPS. In addition to its Rolls-Royce 250-C30 turbine engine, extended landing gear and wire strike protection system, HBPD’s MD 530F will be custom-configured for law enforcement. The agreement allows MD Helicopters to sell the department’s current aircraft and spares and gives HBPD a fleet replacement package, including a training program specifically tailored to the department’s pilots and technicians.

SOURCE: MD Helicopters

Video: Arizona Police Helicopter Rescues Floodwater Victims

The Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff’s Office shared a video of a dramatic helicopter rescue in late July after a vehicle became stranded on a flooded road following several days of heavy rainfall. According to the sheriff's office, two individuals became trapped after they attempted to drive through a flooded roadway in their mobile home. In the police video, the helicopter crew can be seen reaching down to grab the two people as they sit stranded atop their vehicle.

Prior to the airborne rescue, Daisy Mountain Fire Department first responders attempted to save the stranded individuals via the ground but were unsuccessful. Officials feared the mobile home would flip amid reports water was coming through the windows. While the sheriff's office performed the rescue without either individual suffering injuries, two of the family’s dogs were lost in the floodwaters.

SOURCE: www.newsweek.com

Nashville Street Racing Initiative Results in Arrests, Fireworks Shot at Police Helicopter

The Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department (MNPD) conducted a July 2 anti-street racing initiative, which resulted in multiple arrests, fireworks shot at a helicopter, a large number of fireworks seized, multiple violations and citations, and one towed vehicle. Seven MNPD officers from units including aviation partnered on the initiative after intelligence indicated racers were planning a large meeting. Officers saturated the suspected gathering area and observed a small number of vehicles doing “burnouts” and “donuts.” Several of the vehicles were stopped and issued citations.

Additional intelligence brought undercover vehicles to another street racing location where close to 50 vehicles were gathered. The racers continued to move across the city; at one point, the group had grown to approximately 100 vehicles. One of the vehicles was identified and stopped later, resulting in the driver being arrested for drag racing, obstructing an emergency vehicle and reckless driving.

At one street racing scene, the MNPD Aviation Unit was orbiting at approximately 500 feet when officers observed a subject shoot a large firework at the helicopter. The subject and his vehicle were identified and stopped. The 18-year-old suspect was charged with two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and reckless endangerment. He was jailed in lieu of a $25,000 bond.

SOURCE: www.scoopnashville.com

Air Beat Photo Contest Winner Goes Home With GoPro

Thank you to all the APSA members who entered the 2021 Air Beat magazine photo contest. This year’s winner is Derek Ralph, TFO with the San Diego County (CA) Sheriff's Department Air Support Detail (ASTREA). The grand prize of a GoPro HERO9 Black camera was presented during APSCON’s General Membership Meeting. Congratulations! We intend to conduct this contest again in 2022, so focus your lenses and get your best shots ready.

Add To Your Calendar: Upcoming Online Meeting Groups

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR and Natural Resources personnel, and UAS operators that you can join using your computer, mobile device or phone. To facilitate this, the UAS, Safety Officer and Maintenance Technician Meeting Groups meet once every two months, and the SAR Personnel and Natural Resources Meeting Groups 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: Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 1:00–2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

Maintenance: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

UAS: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

Safety Officers: Friday, September 24, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

Natural Resources: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

California Man Charged With Shooting at Ventura County Firehawk

A 44-year-old California man has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges after being arrested for firing at a Ventura County (CA) Sheriff’s Office Air Unit Firehawk helicopter. According to a police report, “the crew of Ventura County Firehawk Copter 4 was conducting nighttime training operations in Lake Casitas when they became aware of gunfire directed at them” on July 21. “The pilot of Copter 4 took evasive action and identified a suspect vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed,” the report read. “Copter 4 followed the suspect vehicle…the suspect exited the vehicle and fired additional shots from a handgun at Copter 4. [He] ran away to avoid being arrested.” The helicopter did not sustain damage during the incident.

Police conducted an extensive search before the suspect was located and taken into custody. He was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for attempted murder, assault with a firearm upon a peace officer or fire fighter, shooting at an occupied aircraft, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and carrying a loaded unregistered firearm. After the suspect pled not guilty, the bail was set at $50,000.

SOURCE: https://news.yahoo.com

APSA’s 2021 Board of Directors

The Airborne Public Safety Association announced election results for five board positions last month: President, Treasurer, Canadian Region Director, Central Region Director and Southeast Region Director. The elected representatives will serve for the July 2021 to July 2023 term. President Richard Bray ran unopposed and was reelected to the position. Current Southeast Region Director Lee Majors ran unopposed for Treasurer.

Christopher Duffield, a sworn constable/TFO with the York Regional Police won a two-candidate race for Canadian Region Director. Duffield has been an APSA member since April 2018. Lieutenant Brandon Rose, a sworn game warden and pilot with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, won the position of Central Region Director. He has been an APSA member since October 2011. The newly elected Southeast Region Director is Stan Pruitt, a sworn deputy sheriff and pilot with the Seminole County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. He has been an APSA member since March 2010. All electees began their terms last month at the close of APSCON 2021.

SOURCE: APSA

Police Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing In Worst Circumstances

An aircrew in the Hernando County (FL) Sheriff's Office “Air1” helicopter made an emergency landing last month. Video footage was released by the local police authority. While the pilots survived, the video shows just how close they and people on the ground were to a much more tragic outcome.

The aircrew was assisting in the search for a wanted person when Deputy Pilot Roy McLaughlin and Tactical Flight Officer BJ Hart called in to dispatch saying they were having issues with the helicopter and were going to attempt to land as soon as possible. However, they were directly above a densely populated suburban housing area when the incident happened. The situation worsened when Pilot McLaughlin said he could no longer see anything due to his goggles becoming fogged up. “I can't see!” he's reported as saying to controllers on the ground.

However, McLaughlin flew in the direction of a nearby field at a local school, knowing the risk of losing control above housing would have endangered citizens. As the pilot regained vision, the chopper made a rapid descent, eventually passing the school buildings and landing safely on the grass. The helicopter was a Bell OH-58 and was kept on the ground at the school for mechanical checks. Both crewmembers were uninjured.

Source:  https://www.newshub.co.nz

Ohio State Police Struck by Laser, Finds Missing Boy

The Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Unit experienced a laser strike in early July and assisted in finding a missing autistic boy several weeks later. The laser strike occurred while the department participated in a gun reduction initiative. The helicopter crew was able to direct ground troops to the laser’s suspected origin, where they arrested a 45-year-old man. He faces a felony charge of interfering with operation of aircraft. See video of the laser attack here.

On July 10, an Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Unit helicopter assisted in rescuing a 12-year-old boy lost in the woods. The boy, who has autism, had been missing for nearly 11 hours before the aerial unit located him using its thermal imaging camera. The boy was found with a few scratches but otherwise in good condition.

SOURCE: www.whio.com and news.yahoo.com

Bryan Smith’s Air Support Safety Available for Purchase

APSA Safety Program Manager Bryan Smith has published a collection of aviation safety essays in a new volume entitled Air Support Safety. Smith writes a bimonthly column in Air Beat magazine, and the new book contains more than 10 years’ of articles, advice and interviews about how to pursue the highest levels of aviation safety and mission effectiveness. Bryan's collection of writings reminds law enforcement aviators they can counter flight risks with learning, listening and training—training from the classroom, books, magazines, conversations, online resources and real-world experience.

Bryan was at APSCON 2021 instructing and conducting a safety symposium, as well as signing books. Pictured here is fellow author Don Bachali who wrote The History of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, My Personal Journey in 2016. They exchanged books. Purchase your copy of Air Support Safety at https://www.tinyurl.com/airsupportsafety.com.

APSA to Exhibit at Upcoming Drone Conferences

Going to AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL 2021 or the Commercial UAV Expo Americas 2021?  If so, stop by the APSA booth and learn about what we’re doing to support public safety drone operations, including the latest on APSA’s upcoming Public Safety Drone Expo. You can find APSA Executive Director & CEO Dan Schwarzbach and Training Program Manager Don Roby in booth # 2131 at XPONENTIAL in Atlanta, August 17-19, and booth #228 in Las Vegas, September 7-9, at Commercial UAV Expo Americas. Come on by!   

Chico Police Demonstrate New UAS Capabilities

Following years of planning and recently securing funding, the Chico (CA) Police Department plans to launch a new unmanned aircraft systems unit in the coming weeks. Sergeant Todd Lefkowitz, who supervises the unit, Chico Police Chief Matt Madden and a several UAS unit officers unveiled the technology in late July during a demonstration. The department now owns six drones and plans to use them for intelligence gathering during crime scene investigations and traffic collisions and search and rescue operations. Madden said the drones won’t be armed or deployed in use of force situations and attempted to quell public concerns during the demonstration.

“An exciting part is this type of technology will make our officers safer in the field and will be more effective in the reduction of crime,” he said. “This will allow us in critical incidents to slow down…We want to get into a position where we can slow down, provide accurate, up-to-date information to our decision-makers in the field so they can make better decisions when it comes to tactical response. I think that’s what you’re going to see with this type of technology.”

The program’s startup costs were not in the department’s budget; however, it received a $26,000 donation from the Chico Community Benefit Luncheon. The donation was approved by the Chico City Council. The department has since selected six officers, in addition to Lefkowitz, to become FAA certified drone pilots. The unit will report to Lieutenant Mike Williams, who reports to Madden. The department has obtained its FAA certificate of authorization to fly in controlled airspace, and it has coordinated with the Chico Municipal Airport, Cal Fire-Butte County, Enloe FlightCare and Butte County Sheriff’s Office on the use of drones in city and county airspace.

SOURCE: www.chicoer.com

Sheriff’s Office Maintenance Technician Dan Ijpkemeule Named FSA Civilian of the Year

The Florida Sheriffs Association recently announced that Dan Ijpkemeule, a member of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Department, is the recipient of the 2021 FSA Civilian of the Year Award. The award recognizes exemplary service by a civilian employed at a Florida sheriff’s office. Ijpkemeule has been a valued member of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Air Support team since April 2018. He has been fixing and maintaining public safety aircraft for the last 17 years. Since becoming an official member of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, he has established maintenance plans for new helicopters, improved the department’s hangar, and assisted marine patrol with installation of specialized equipment. As lead mechanic, Ijpkemeule modernized the department’s 1964 UH-1 Huey, saving $50,000 in installation and future maintenance costs. He was also instrumental in the purchase of the department’s newest helicopter.

SOURCE: www.publishedreporter.com

New Jersey Department to Deploy UAS Program

The Cranford (NJ) Police Department launched an unmanned aircraft systems program on July 2 during the town’s Independence Day celebration. The department launched the unit with the support of the Cranford Township Committee and in partnership with Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail). Police officials said they intend to use UAS to improve public safety and expand first responders’ situational awareness during critical events, fires, missing persons responses, traffic crash investigations, unsafe pedestrian situations and damage assessments after natural weather events.

According to a February press release, the Cranford Police Department and Conrail had concerns about the department’s accessibility to railroad tracks during calls for service, trespassers and high-tension power line issues. The organizations collaborated on effective strategies to aid in emergency responses and agreed a UAS could supplement public safety operations. The unit’s UAS is equipped with an HD camera, and four officers have been trained as UAS pilots. The Cranford Police Department also secured an FAA Certificate of Authorization allowing public safety UAS operations. Captain Guy Patterson serves as the team commander.

SOURCE: www.tapinto.net

Dekalb County Adds New Police Helicopter

The DeKalb County (GA) Sheriff’s Office has acquired a new helicopter. The county includes miles of wilderness and natural resources, and officials said the new helicopter would help it patrol the areas. DeKalb County has one of the highest call rates for aviation assets in the state, but the department has previously relied on outside agencies for airborne support. The sheriff’s office expects to use the helicopter to find lost children and the elderly, rescue hikers and victims of falls in wilderness areas, fight forest fires, and assist ground officers in need. Officials said the aircraft will be a countywide asset and available for mutual aid. Pilots Weston Fortner, Rodney Graham, Robert Theakston and Matt Martin are in various stages of training, along with unit volunteers Wilborn Hall and David Moreland.

Launching the Aviation Unit was possible via donations, grants and volunteer support, officials said. It has not cost Dekalb County taxpayers any money. “This resource has been desperately needed for many years in DeKalb County, and we are proud to have been able to make it a reality through persistence and hard work,” DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said. “It’s going to save lives in our community.”

SOURCE: www.weisradio.com

Florida Man Shoots Down Sheriff’s Office Drone

A Florida man has been arrested for shooting down a Lake County Sheriff’s Office unmanned aircraft system. Investigators said the 50-year-old shot at the drone while deputies were investigating a possible burglary. In the arrest report, the man said he heard the drone flying and thought it was trying to harass him. He said he therefore stepped outside with his rifle and fired. Deputies said the man has a criminal history; he is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, improper exhibition of dangerous weapons, and shooting or throwing deadly missiles.

SOURCE: www.uasvision.com

Gwinnett Police Charges Man for Pointing Laser at Helicopter

The Gwinnett County (GA) Police Department arrested a Lawrenceville man after he allegedly pointed a laser at the department’s helicopter in early July. The 50-year-old man was charged with laser use against an aircraft. Police Officer Senior Hideshi Valle said the green laser was pointed at the cockpit while the helicopter conducted surveillance. “The pilot of the helicopter was able to guide officers to the location where the person was pointing the laser,” Valle said. “When officers arrived, they met [the man], who initially denied pointing the laser at the aircraft. When [he] was confronted with the fact that he was on video pointing the laser, he admitted to officers that he pointed the laser.”

Valle said a pilot’s ability to fly is hindered when a laser is pointed at an aircraft, and the laser also interferes with the aircraft’s equipment. Gwinnett officials stressed that pointing a laser at any type of aircraft is illegal. The case against the 50-year-old suspect has been referred to the Federal Aviation Administration and presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.

SOURCE: www.gwinnettdailypost.com

San Bernardino Helicopter Crews Rescue Six Hikers

Two San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff’s Department helicopter crews rescued six dehydrated hikers in 100-degree heat on July 17. One hiker became seriously ill. San Bernardino County Fire dispatch initially received the call from the family of hikers. “They stated they were a group of six hikers in the Deep Creek Hot Springs area off Highway 173 and they could no longer continue hiking due to dehydration,” said a county press release.

San Bernardino County Fire and Twin Peaks deputies responded to a designated landing zone and coordinated with the helicopter crews. The county’s 40-King-6 was in the area performing an unrelated hoist rescue of another dehydrated hiker. Once the crew members completed the rescue, they began searching for the six hikers. After locating them on a steep mountainside, they hoisted a medic to them. The medic assessed the family and determined a hoist rescue would be necessary. “The crew of 40-King-5 responded from Apple Valley and assisted 40-King-6 with hoisting the hikers to safety,” the press release said. “The medic on the ground was able to secure all hikers into rescue harnesses to be hoisted one at a time. Between both helicopter crews, all six hikers were hoisted out and transported to medical personnel waiting at the landing zone.”

SOURCE: www.redlandscommunitynews.com

APSA’s Ace Recruiter of 2021; Help Us Grow & Recruit APSA Members

APSA’s New Member Referral Program offers incentives to current members who recruit new members to join APSA. The member who brings in the most new members between July 1 of the previous year and June 30 of the current year is recognized as APSA Ace Recruiter of the Year. This year’s winner is Tobie Delaney, Special Agent with the CSX Railroad Police, who was rewarded with a handsomely engraved beer mug, some APSA logo merchandise, free one-year membership and his name engraved on a memorial plaque proudly displayed at the APSA office in Maryland.

Thank you all for your membership and helping APSA continue to grow. Membership is the lifeblood of an association; to serve the membership is why we exist. APSA’s networking, education and training opportunities are unique and specialized for public safety aviation. Let your colleagues and friends know about APSA membership and you could be next year’s Ace Recruiter of the Year.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ALEA created a time capsule 25 years ago at the 1996 annual conference? At this year’s APSCON, the time capsule was opened during APSA’s special session about the history of the organization. Several long-time members were present when the contents were discovered. The time capsule contained a copy of Air Beat magazine, several unit patches, member & vendor business cards, notes, stickers, and a few other cool remembrances. During the last day of APSCON 2021, a collection of items were gathered to create a new APSA time capsule to be opened 25 years from now in 2046.

NPAS Helicopters Support Multiple Searches

U.K. National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopters assisted on multiple searches in July. On July 12, an NPAS helicopter was called to Poole, where the crew spotted a missing woman in a residential area after multiple hours of searching. On July 27, the North Wales Police called an NPAS helicopter to help find two people stranded on a lake in an inflatable kayak. Officers made their way to the missing man and woman’s suspected location but could not access them. The NPAS helicopter was nearby dealing with a separate incident. The NPAS helicopter conducted a search of the area and found the individuals about 500 yards from the lakeshore. The helicopter illuminated the couple and monitored their progress as they paddled back to the shore.

“We all know that kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy the wonders of the water,” North Wales Police District Inspector Lisa Jones said. “However, not in darkness, after you’ve had alcohol and going out without a life jacket and a mobile phone. The pair are extremely lucky that this didn’t turn into tragedy.”

SOURCE: www.bournemouthecho.co.uk and www.aberystwyth-today.co.uk

Flint Police Department to Lease Helicopter

The local city council approved the Flint (MI) Police Department's $300,000 request for a three-month helicopter lease in late July. Police Chief Terence Green said the helicopter would serve Flint in place of the Michigan State Police aircraft that provides regular patrols, while also serving other communities. The approval comes after Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley declared a state of emergency due to gun violence.

Police officials said the helicopter would help them fight the city's rising crime. So far, 39 homicides have occurred in Flint this year, a more than 30 percent increase compared to this time last year. The aviation unit requested $304,000 of $510,000 already slated to be transferred from Flint’s general fund to the police department professional services account. The money, which comes from fees collected from impounded vehicles, towed cars and other violations, will be used to cover the cost of the helicopter and pilot service for three months. "Michigan State Police has the responsibility of many cities throughout Michigan and cannot provide the level of support we feel is necessary to properly secure Flint,” Sergeant Tyrone Booth said. “With us being able to have a helicopter flying during hours the MSP helicopter is not flying, it provides a level of support that will be more continuous in our operation or effort to fight crime."

SOURCE: www.nbc25news.com

California Police Department Debuts New Drone Program

The Hollister (CA) Police Department launched a new unmanned aircraft systems program over the Fourth of July holiday. According to the agency, staff had been developing the unit for months, acquiring a suitable drone and training officers to operate it. They eventually acquired a DJI Mavic Enterprise Dual drone equipped with infrared technology and a high-resolution camera. The department said its UAS operators are FAA certified, and all flights will be recorded. Officials added only records related to criminal activity are stored in their evidence system. All recordings not needed for evidence will be deleted immediately.

SOURCE: www.californianewstimes.com

HAI Accepting Nominations for Annual Awards

Within vertical aviation, there are pilots, mechanics/engineers, safety professionals, and others who go above and beyond to pursue professional excellence. Their dedication is an inspiration to us all. The Helicopter Association International (HAI) is accepting nominations for its annual Salute to Excellence Awards program, which recognizes outstanding achievement in all forms of vertical aviation, including unmanned aircraft systems (UASs, or drones). Nominations can be submitted at rotor.org/salute before Sept. 30, 2021.

HAI has added the Matthew S. Zuccaro Land & LIVE Award beginning in 2022. The new award honors the former HAI president and CEO, who died in February 2020, for his steadfast advocacy for rotorcraft safety. After growing frustrated with the number of preventable helicopter accidents, Zuccaro challenged the industry to take advantage of the helicopter’s ability to land almost anywhere and utilize precautionary landings when flight conditions deteriorated. He sent a clear message that helicopter crews would never forget with his now-famous quote, “Flight not going well? When safety is at stake, land the damn helicopter!”

The new award recognizes outstanding aeronautical decision-making (ADM), crew resource management (CRM), or coordinated actions performed by a helicopter pilot(s), flight crew member(s), or maintenance personnel during the year. Depending on nominations received, the Matthew S. Zuccaro Land & LIVE Award may be presented to three recipients each year: one each for pilots, flight crews, and maintenance personnel.

To submit a nomination for the 2022 HAI Salute to Excellence Awards, go to www.rotor.org/salute and nominate an exceptional individual or organization. Award descriptions and criteria are available on the website, as well as additional information about the awards process. Anyone may submit a nomination, and anyone may be nominated. HAI membership is not required. The Salute to Excellence winners will be honored at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022 in Dallas, TX next March.  

Video: U.K. Drone Team Finds Missing Elderly Man

A video has captured the moment a North Wales (U.K.) Police drone helped find a missing man in a patch of long grass. The 82-year-old had been missing for almost 24 hours before the unmanned aircraft team found him on June 8. The man’s family said that without the drone’s assistance, “he didn’t stand a chance.”

Rescue teams searched the waters off North Wales using a police helicopter before the man was eventually located by the UAS team, which had been formed only several months earlier. The team of five full-time officers is assisted by six part-time pilots. “As soon as I heard the news that he’d been found, I just burst into tears,” said the victim’s granddaughter. “It’s overwhelming. If they’d not had the drone, he would probably have still been there now. We wouldn’t have had a clue where he was and he wouldn’t even be here.”

SOURCE: www.dailypost.co.uk

Maryland State Police Makes Two Hoist Rescues in One Day

The Maryland State Police (MSP) Aviation Command rescued a swimmer injured in Garrett County, located on the state’s western side, on July 23. That same day, another MPS crew hoisted a swimmer to safety on the far eastern side of the state, in Bay View.

MSP’s Trooper 5, based at Cumberland Airport, was dispatched to perform the Garrett County hoist when a victim sustained a head injury after slipping on a river rock. Due to the steep terrain, extended extraction time, and nature of the victim’s injuries, officials determined the aerial hoist was necessary. The Trooper 5 helicopter crew configured for the hoist rescue once on scene, and the pilots maneuvered the AW-139 into a steady 275-foot hover above the river. Garrett County Fire and Rescue personnel provided patient care during the ground operations and assisted in preparing the patient for hoist. Once the patient was secured inside the aircraft, Trooper 5 transitioned to its medevac role and provided advanced level medical care while en route to a nearby hospital.

MSP’s Trooper 1, based near Baltimore, performed the hoist rescue in Bay View, hovering above a swimming hole after a woman either dove or slipped from a rocky perch and fell an estimated 20 to 30 feet into the water. An MSP spokesperson said the hoist rescue was necessary “due to the steep terrain, extended extraction time and the nature of the victim’s injuries.” After completing the aerial rescue, the Trooper 1 crew flew the injured woman to University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Unit in Baltimore.

SOURCE: news.maryland.gov and www.cecildaily.com

NY State Helicopter Assists Rangers on Hiker Rescue

Forest rangers with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation enlisted the New York State Police Aviation Unit to help rescue an injured hiker at the Mount Colden Trap Dike over the Fourth of July weekend. The 59-year-old female hiker from Greenwich, CT, had fallen and suffered a lower leg injury. Two other climbers in her group called the rangers. Five forest rangers, four assistant forest rangers and two volunteer climbers were dispatched; two rangers and two volunteer climbers were inserted at the base of the dike by helicopter.

Rangers eventually reached the woman, stabilized her injury and developed an evacuation plan. The responders established a steep-angle belay system, lowering her approximately 100 yards to a location better suited for a hoist extraction. The New York State Police Aviation crew then returned to the scene with Ranger Chris DiCintio, and the woman was hoisted from the Mount Colden Trap Dike and transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

SOURCE: www.nny360.com

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.

Officer Launches Fundraiser to Display First Victoria Police Helicopter

A former Victoria Police officer in Australia has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to donate the department’s first helicopter to the Australian National Aviation Museum. Mark Whorlow found and purchased the Aerospatiale AS-365C1 Dauphine II but wants to recoup his costs and put it on public display at the Moorabbin Airport museum. The aircraft, nicknamed Daphne, was put into service in the early 1980s and served for 20 years in police, ambulance, and search and rescue roles. The helicopter saved lives in the deadly Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 1998 and evacuated people during the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983.

Whorlow is seeking $20,000 through his GoFundMe. “Most would agree Daphne is the most iconic and historically important helicopter in Australia,” he said. “Many Victorians would remember the distinctive sound Daphne made as she flew overhead, on the way to save someone in danger, or out patrolling the streets late at night.

SOURCE: www.australianaviation.com.au 

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during June 2020:

Corporate Members:

Bison Aviation, LLC
Crestwood Technology Group (CTG)
DART Aerospace Ltd.
Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment
Onboard Systems International
Ozark Aeroworks
Tactical Flying, Inc.
The Kearns Group, LLC
Timberline Helicopters, Inc.
Volo Mission

Individual Members:

Elliot Acosta, Benton County (AR) Sheriff's Office
Jake Adams, Ellisville (MO) Police Department
John Baker, Belton (MO) Police Department
Shaun Baucom, Stanislaus County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Mike Beason, Civil Air Patrol (SC)
Kaleb Becar, Maryland Heights (MO) Police Department
Christopher Beckman, Kirkwood (MO) Police Department
Everett Beelman, Jefferson Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office | LASER
James Borzillo, St. Louis County (MO) Police Department
Ryan Bougie, Mountain Seismic Safety (BC)
Brett Bowman, OPP (ON)
Eric Bradshaw, San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
Scott Brown, St. Louis County (MO) Police Department
Derek Bynum, MHP (MS)
Peter Callies, San Mateo County (CA) Sheriff's Office
Allen Cameron, Illinois Fire Service Institute
Anthony Cavallo, FBI Academy (VA)
Cody Cheary, Stanislaus County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Warren Chriss, Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff's Office Flight Unit
Roger Connor, Smithsonian Institution (VA)
Sean Cursain, Jefferson Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office | LASER
Travis Davies, Platte County (MO) Sheriff's Office
Daniel Davis, Fort Worth (TX) Police Department | Aviation Division
Joseph DeVivo, FBI Headquarters (DC)
Ehren Epperson, Alaska Department of Public Safety
Barbara Fujii, San Jose (CA)Police Department | Crime Scene Unit
Miguel Garcia, Stanislaus County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Randall Goodspeed, Meridian (ID) Police Department
Tim Graham, Jefferson County (AL) Sheriff's Office
Charles Harter, Civil Air Patrol (MO)
Patrick Hepner, Belton (MO) Police Department
Antonio Hernandez, NYPD Aviation Unit (NY)
Chuck Heydenriech, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Aviation Unit
Michael Hoefle, St. Charles County (MO) Police Department
Sylvester Houston, MHP Air Operations (MS)
Jonathan Janoski, FBI Headquarters (DC)
Jennifer Jones, Fulton County (GA) Police Department
Chad Karsner, Scott County (KY) Sheriff's Office
Joshua Lancaster, Stanislaus County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
John Lawrence, Plaquemines Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office
Kevin Lee, FBI Academy (VA)
Mike Lehman, California Highway Patrol | Golden Gate Division
Richard Long, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Aviation Unit
Rebecca Mackenzie, Pennsylvania EMS
Nathan Masterson, Texas DPS
Eugene Matthews, Park University (MO)
Gary Mauldin, San Juan County (NM) Sheriff's Office | Air Support Unit
Earl McEwen III, FBI Headquarters (DC)
Craig Miller, FBI Headquarters (DC)
Jeremy Montgomery Illinois Fire Service Institute
Dusty Moore, Avionics Solutions, LLC (LA)
Eric Moore, Eureka (MO) Police Department
Brandon Myers, Metro West (MO) Fire Protection District 
Joey Nickles, Ellisville (MO) Police Department
Ruben Nuno, Stanislaus County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Matthew Olesen, (AZ)
Damian Peyinghaus, Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff's Office Flight Unit
Jason Poulos, Huntington Beach (CA) Police Department
Mike Ramaha, San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
Kirsten Ramey, FBI Academy (VA)
Richard Reynolds, FBI Headquarters (DC)
Michael Richert, Tulsa (OK) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Juan Rodriguez, Stanislaus County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Jordan Santos, Honolulu (HI) Fire Department
Robert Schoelkopf, FBI Academy (VA)
James Schoonover, Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc. (ID)
William Shaner, Pennsylvania Office Of Attorney General
Jacob Signaigo, Maryland Heights (MO) Police Department
Mark Smith, Jefferson Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office | LASER
Austin Southern, Stanislaus County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Roman Stolarski, Mehlville (MO) Fire Protection District
Paul Strauss, Los Angeles (CA) Police Department
Stephen Strickler, Jackson County (MS) Sheriff's Department | Air-One
Paul Sutara, FBI Headquarters (DC)
Roland Therina, Mehlville (MO) Fire Protection District
Michael Toney, Wentzville (MO) Police Department
Gina Tyler, Maryland Natural Resource Police
Elier Vaguez, Broward County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Todd Vignes, Jefferson Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office | LASER
Jared White, Jefferson County (AL) Sheriff's Office
Richard Wiginton, Creve Coeur (MO) Police Department
Ernest Wolosewicz, Long Beach (CA) Police Department
Scott Yandall, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Aviation Unit
John Yeast, St. Charles County (MO) Ambulance District
Todd Yohe, Belton Fire Department