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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 Rescue Summit 2021, Virtual Event on March 22

Due to the cancellation of HELI-EXPO 2021, APSA will conduct its Rescue Summit 2021 as a virtual event. So, while we can’t meet face-to-face in New Orleans this month, we will gather online for a day of dynamic vertical lift search and rescue training.

Rescue Summit 2021 will be conducted on Monday, March 22, 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm EDT, via a live, interactive webinar, and include various presentations pertaining to helicopter rescue operations including topics such as hoisting, safety and critical incident & accident reviews.

Rescue Summit 2021 is for all who use VTOL aircraft in search and rescue operations. Registration for Rescue Summit 2021 is included in your APSA individual membership dues; a nominal fee for non-members applies. Register here or call 301-631-2406 with any questions. All attendees must be registered to participate.

If you are interested in joining our organization and avoiding the non-member fee, click here more information.

APSA To Conduct In-Person Remote Pilot-in-Command Course

APSA’s Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) Course will be held in person in Richmond Heights, MO, on March 16-17, 2021. The course is available to both sworn and non-sworn public safety personnel and will be hosted by the Richmond Heights Police Department. Register here. 

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. In addition, three briefings specific to law enforcement use of UAS are conducted. The course is intended for public safety personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, interested in obtaining their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Registration and more information are available on the APSA website. 

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.

 In-Person Safety Seminar Heads to Maryland in May

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 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! 

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.

Expert Training with APSA’s 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.

APSA’s Tech Talk Tuesday Series Continues

APSA has extended its Tech Talk Tuesday Series through March. 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. Visit the APSA website for a current listing of Tech Talk Tuesday subjects and presenters and/or to register for these informative presentations.

If you are not a member, but would like to join our association and access these presentations, visit our Membership page. 

APSA Extends Its Webinar Training Series Through March 2021

APSA’s live Webinar Training Series was created last year to bring many of the classes scheduled for APSCON 2020 and Public Safety Drone Expo directly to you. Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, APSA has extended this series through March 2021 to keep the training and education flowing. These 90-minute webinars are offered at no charge as a benefit of membership; however, registration is required.

Next up is “Managing Your Public Safety Drone Unit” instructed by Doug Daniels on March 12, followed by “What You Need to Know About Human Trafficking and Public Safety Aviation” instructed by the US Department of Homeland Security’s Michael Camal on March 26, both starting at 1300 EDT. To view the full schedule and to register for any or all of these webinars, please visit our website. 

Police Aviation Units Assist With Super Bowl Security

The Tampa (FL) Police Department Aviation Unit assisted multiple agencies in helping patrol the area around Raymond James Stadium during this year’s Super Bowl. “We’ve done a threat assessment for this specific event with the Department of Homeland Security,” FBI Special Agent Ronald Hopper said prior to the game. “There are no specific threats.”

The inter-agency security team included the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Civil Air Patrol, along with the TPD Aviation Unit. The team coordinated with the North American Aerospace Defense Command to provide security. Part of the effort included a no-drone zone within 30 miles of the stadium.

Law enforcement officers from neighboring areas assisted the Tampa Police Department in controlling crowds at Raymond James Stadium for Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7, and the Manatee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit posted a bird’s eye view of the celebrations in downtown Tampa following the Buccaneers’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

SOURCE: www.fox13news.com and www.mysuncoast.com 

Nevada Helicopter Crew Rescues Freezing Man

The Washoe County (NV) Sheriff’s Office Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit (RAVEN) teamed up with volunteers to rescue a man suffering from hypothermia on Jan. 29. Footage of the rescue can be seen here. 

According to local press reports, the man entered hills near Washoe Valley the night before his rescue and became stuck. After calling for emergency services, his phone died. Crews encountered the man in the morning, and RAVEN evacuated him for medical care.

SOURCE: news.yahoo.com 

USHST Recommended Practices for Confronting IIMC & Spatial Disorientation

Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Conditions leading to pilot spatial disorientation continues to be a leading cause of fatal helicopter accidents. From 2000 to 2019 in the United States, there were 130 fatal accidents directly linked to the issue of spatial disorientation. These accidents occurred regardless of pilot experience and they cut across all industries, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, tour operations, utility flights, corporate flying and personal/private flights.

“For decades, studies, articles, research papers, and discussions have been published theorizing why accidents related to degraded visual environments consistently occur and it has been hard to find clear answers that can slow or stop these tragic accidents,” explains Nick Mayhew, industry co-chair of the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team. “In part, the accidents stem from failed planning, lack of understanding, or poor decision-making. All pilots have the option to turn down a flight before launch, turn around, proceed to an alternate, or land in a safe place if the weather deteriorates below company or personal minimums, yet we continue to see these types of accidents.”

In response to this situation, the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team has developed a new Recommended Practices document focusing on “Spatial Disorientation Induced by a Degraded Visual Environment” and offering training and decision-making solutions, which can be found here. The practices include preflight planning that includes enroute decision processes; in-aircraft training that simulates a lack of visibility; and training of recovery techniques and committing to instruments.

Pentagon to Track D.C. Helicopter Noise

The U.S. Department of Defense will begin tracking helicopter noise in the Washington, D.C. area under a provision of the recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act. The results of the study could affect multiple public safety aviation units—the U.S. Park Police, Maryland State Police, D.C. Metro Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department and Virginia State Police.

The noise-tracking provision in the $740 billion legislation was inserted at the behest of several D.C.-area congressmen who have lamented the helicopter noise over the nation’s capital and surrounding suburbs. The amount of helicopter traffic over the area is substantial, according to data recently released in a Government Accountability Office report. GAO found 50 separate operators conducted 88,000 helicopter flights in the airspace between 2017 and 2019. The report indicates about 80 percent of the flights were conducted by law enforcement, military and air ambulance operators.

SOURCE: www.ainonline.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:

Safety Officers: Friday, March 19, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
Natural Resources: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
Maintenance: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
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)

Alabama Agency’s New Rescue Team Undergoes Critical Training

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Aviation Unit recently provided training for a new multi-agency search and rescue team coordinated by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. Lawrence County is the second sheriff’s office in the state to obtain an advanced life support license, following Tuscaloosa County.

The training, intended to allow the new team to respond efficiently to emergencies, focused on injured person extraction and K-9 handling. Chris Long, training coordinator for the search and rescue team, said the recent training was critical. “We started out last year with just a handful of people with little experience, and within a year’s time, we’ve grown to about a 30-member team with, I would say, about a dozen people with a national standard certificate,” Long said. The team recently received a grant for new equipment and is planning additional training throughout the year.

The ALEA Aviation Unit also recently partnered with the Northwest Alabama K9 Search and Rescue team for emergency search and rescue hoist training. Other agencies present for the training session included the Colbert County Emergency Management Agency, Colbert County Sheriff’s Office, and Tuscumbia Police and Fire Departments.

SOURCE: www.whnt.com and www.waff.com 

Australian Firefighters Launch Dedicated UAS Unit

The Victoria, Australia government has launched an aviation unit within Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV). The unit will deploy unmanned aircraft technology to assist firefighters and other emergency services. The unit will be staffed by four specialist firefighters, including qualified Civil Aviation Safety Authority drone pilots and aviation-accredited personnel, and operate four drones to gather aerial images of fires and other emergencies. The UAS feature high-definition thermal imaging and live-streaming cameras and have the ability to fly for up to 30 minutes and withstand strong winds.

FRV previously operated drones but had not created a dedicated aviation unit. "As we saw during last year's devastating bushfire season, our firefighters tackle some incredibly complex and challenging fires,” Victorian Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said. “These four new drones within Fire Rescue Victoria's new aviation unit will significantly add to their firefighting arsenal.” Victoria Police created a similar drone unit in 2019 to aid in crime scene documentation and search for stolen property, drugs and missing people.

SOURCE: www.zdnet.com 

Kansas Highway Patrol Requests Fleet Improvement Funds

The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) recently requested funding for two new helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft to replace part of its aging fleet, including one airplane dating back to 1978. The request is for about $16 million, in addition to funding for ongoing aircraft maintenance. KHP requested the same items during its last budget cycle but was denied after the COVID-19 pandemic tightened spending. Legislators have largely backed the budget increase, but some activists are concerned.

KHP operates three air support bases and five aircraft. The department has seen an uptick in demand, in part due to moving supplies for COVID-19 relief. The unit flew 28 percent more hours in 2020 than it did in 2019. Captain Jason Vanderweide, who heads the Aviation Unit, said KHP’s aging fleet is limiting its effectiveness. One airplane and one helicopter are in the process of being repaired, and the 1970s-era airplane lacks de-icing capabilities. “We're at the breaking point,” Vanderweide said. “We have a definite need for upgraded aircraft and equipment.”

SOURCE: www.cjonline.com 

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

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual awards honors 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.

Abu Dhabi Police Reports 2020 Mission Numbers

The Abu Dhabi Police (ADP) Aviation department conducted 1,053 aerial missions in 2020, including 377 police operations, 395 exercises, 110 ambulance flights, 169 “other” missions and two photography flights. Brigadier Pilot Ibrahim Hassan Al Baloushi, the department’s director, said ADP Aviation was successful last year in responding to humanitarian calls, arriving at reported locations quickly and rescuing victims in difficult-to-reach areas. He said ADP’s fleet is equipped with modern equipment and manned by pilots and medical staff highly trained according to international standards. Baloushi said the aviation unit also organized several training courses in 2020, including 31 flight simulations for 62 pilots, seven “transformative” classes, regular flight dispatch recurrent training for five operations officers, a class each on the AW-139 and AB-412 helicopters, and an additional refresher course on the AB-412.

SOURCE: www.wam.ae 

Police K9 & Drone Help to Arrest Wanted Man on Roof

The Hillsboro (OR) Police Department arrested a 33-year-old wanted man who was hiding on top of a roof with the aid of a K9 and a drone from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Police K-9 Blazer helped police track the man to a residence, where they later determined he was probably on the roof of the house. A police drone was able to find the man hiding in a section of the roof. When he realized he was spotted by the drone, the man gave up and was taken into custody, police said, and booked on multiple charges, including felony theft.

Source: www.koin.com 

Livingston Sheriff's Helicopter Rolls After Takeoff

A Livingston Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office helicopter malfunctioned upon takeoff last month, injuring two Livingston deputies and a St. Helena Sheriff's Office deputy, according to a Facebook post by Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard. The three deputies were hospitalized with "minor to moderate injuries" but were later released after examination, according to a LPSO spokesperson. "Fortunately, they were able to walk away from the incident without serious injuries," Ard wrote. "For that, I am very thankful."

LPSO was assisting the St. Helena office with an active investigation when the helicopter malfunctioned during takeoff with the three deputies on board around 2 p.m. LPSO is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to determine the cause of the crash, Ard wrote.

Source: www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge 

Akron Police to Purchase UAS

The Akron (OH) Police Department (APD) announced in early February plans to purchase an unmanned aircraft system. APD Captain Chris Brewer said the purchase would likely come this spring. The department plans to use the UAS in two areas. “The drones are being purchased for our Crime Scene Unit, and they’ll also work with our traffic reconstruction officers,” Brewer said. The drones will be able to capture 360-degree images from crime scenes and help investigate vehicle crashes. Akron City Council President Margo Sommerville said the council wants to invest in law enforcement technology and be transparent about the changes. “People are afraid of what they don’t know, and so we can bridge that gap a little closer if we keep talking, sharing and educating the public on what the police are actually doing,” Sommerville said.

The department plans to invest $4,000 from grant funds in the UAS. “Can I see them using them maybe for SWAT as an overwatch to see if someone runs out the backside of a building or making sure officers don’t have someone sneaking up on them?” Brewer said. “I could see that, but there are no plans at all to use these for surveillance at this time, just crime scene investigation and accident reconstruction.”

SOURCE: www.wkyc.com 

Indiana Aviation Unit Helps Apprehend Auto Thieves

The Lake County (IN) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit helped track and arrest three Illinois men who led police on a high-speed chase in Northwest Indiana in late January. Police began the chase pursuing multiple stolen vehicles traveling at speeds up to 130 mph. An officer saw a man get out of an SUV and attempt to run away, disappearing between vehicles, while another car involved exited the same highway and that driver also fled his vehicle. Six Lake County Sheriff's Department officers, three Indiana Police officers and the Lake County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit assisted in the search.

“This pursuit happened just hours after another incident where a 31-year-old man led police on a high-speed chase and slammed into two police squad vehicles,” Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said. “That case ended with shots fired and police eventually apprehending the suspect. At the time, we were involved in a countywide blitz aimed at helping to end the rise in [carjacking] and car thefts in the area.” Three men were taken into custody pending criminal charges.

SOURCE: www.abc7chicago.com 

Maryland State’s Trooper 5 Logs More Than 130 Missions

Maryland State Police Trooper 5, based out of the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, flew 133 missions in 2020, including 21 search and rescue operations, according to First Sergeant Ryan Shaffer. Of the responses, 106 resulted in medevac transports, including of 34 critically injured patients.

The AW-139, known as Trooper 5, has served the Western Maryland area and surrounding states for more than 30 years with a crew of two pilots and two sworn paramedics. The helicopter is staffed 24 hours a day with 18 employees, which includes eight pilots and eight medics. The helicopter can be airborne in eight minutes from time of dispatch and arrive at most scenes within 20 minutes. Equipped with advanced medical equipment, Trooper 5 quickly transports patients to trauma and specialty centers as far away as Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

SOURCE: www.times-news.com 

Michigan State Police to Restart Helicopter Patrols in Flint

The Michigan State Police (MSP) will soon begin conducting regular helicopter patrols over the City of Flint. The department has implemented the patrols over the beleaguered city at various points during the last several years. MSP Lieutenant Lizabeth Rich issued a statement about the overflights. “The Michigan State Police will begin regular aviation patrols in our secure cities starting next week,” she said. “The MSP helicopter will make patrols in and around the City of Flint and will also be on standby if needed for an emergency. The MSP and Flint Police Department are working hard to address crime, and the Aviation Unit will be utilized in coordination with directed patrols.”

SOURCE: www.wnem.com 

Small Pennsylvania Department Applies for New UAS Authorization

The Ephrata (PA) Police Department has requested an updated FAA Certificate of Authorization to operate its unmanned aircraft systems. The department unveiled its plan at a local council meeting on Feb. 8, and the legislative body approved the request to pursue new FAA authorization. The department acquired three UAS and certified three officers to operate them in 2016. Ephrata now has four certified drone pilots.

The Ephrata Police Department’s largest UAS, which features a thermal camera, was donated by a local hospital as part of a safety initiative, Ephrata Police Chief John Petrick said. The department’s drone policy is posted to its website for the public to read. Its three drones can be used for photographing crime scenes, searching for missing people or fugitives and providing situational awareness for various emergency responses. The nearby West Hempfield Township Police Department purchased and began operating a UAS in 2018.

SOURCE: www.lancasteronline.com 

OPP Makes Two Helicopter-Assisted Rescues in Two Days

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) rescued a man who went missing while snowmobiling on Feb. 20 and two hikers stranded on an ice floe on Feb. 21. The Sault Sainte Marie OPP division learned the snowmobiler disappeared on the night of Feb. 19 and found him at 2 p.m. the next day. OPP Aviation Services, the OPP Emergency Response Team, Sault Search and Rescue and the Sault Sainte Marie Snowmobiling Club assisted in the rescue.

The Grey Bruce OPP division responded to reports of the two hikers stranded on a Georgian Bay ice floe the next day. The pair became stranded when the ice they were walking on broke away from shore. A Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Hercules aircraft kept tabs on the hikers as an OPP helicopter crew hovered above them and made a daring ice rescue, returning both victims safely to shore. No injuries were reported. “This was amazing teamwork by all of the involved services,” Grey Bruce OPP Acting Inspector Debra Anderson said. “Everyone worked together to safely rescue these hikers. This situation could have ended in tragedy.”

SOURCE: www.northernontario.ctvnews.ca and www.sootoday.com 

Tennessee Highway Patrol Aviation Assists on Multi-Agency Pursuit

The Tennessee Highway Patrol Aviation Unit helped troopers track and arrest a man who led several agencies on a multi-day pursuit in late February. Kentucky State Police Post 3 and the Sumner County (TN) Sheriff’s Office initiated the pursuit of a Nissan truck the man had allegedly stolen near the Kentucky-Tennessee line. Agencies from both states had pursued the same stolen vehicle the day prior. The Simpson County (KY) Sheriff’s Office assisted in the pursuit.

When Kentucky State Police troopers responded, the stolen Nissan abruptly exited the highway and eventually entered a field. The Tennessee Highway Patrol Aviation Unit was able to follow the car through the field until the vehicle became stuck against a tree. The 31-year-old Tennessee man was arrested and charged with speeding, reckless driving, fleeing and evading, wanton endangerment, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property, operating on a suspended or revoked license, fleeing from another state, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.

SOURCE: www.wbko.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.

Make Plans for APSCON 2021; Help APSA Celebrate 50 Years

The Airborne Public Safety Association will hold its annual in-person conference, APSCON 2021, in New Orleans from July 26 to 31. APSCON sets the standard for excellence in the field of public safety aviation. Filled with education and training, APSCON offers the best conference courses and classes in the industry, and the conference’s exhibition floor showcases the latest cutting-edge technology for public safety aviation. You can find more information on our website. Registration will open in mid to late March, so save the date and start making your plans for New Orleans this summer.

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 February 2021:

Corporate Members:

Advanced Aircraft Company, LLC.
Force Aviation, Inc.

Individual Members:

Conner Alexander, California Highway Patrol
Jon Anderson, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Silas Appleby, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Jon Barrera, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Bruce Barthelemy, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Andrew Beaver, Mississippi Department Of Public Safety Air Operations
Keith Benton, Dorchester County (MD) Sheriff
Greg Borromeo, Los Gatos-Monte Sereno (CA) Police Department
Jaye Bridwell, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Mark Bryant, U.S Embassy Panama, INL Aviation
JP Burt, Colorado State Patrol Aircraft Section
Kevin Campbell, WorldCast Systems
Darrell Cantley, Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Ian Carabarin, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Ed Cavaliere, Orange County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Miguel Cora, FIAAT/U.S. EMBASSY GUATEMALA (INL-G)
Nylander David, Los Gatos (CA) Police
Robert Durbin, Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department Aviation Unit
Dana Eloisa Barillas Cubulco, FIAAT/U.S. EMBASSY GUATEMALA (INL-G)
Jeff Emley, San Jose (CA) Police Department
James Finnegan, CSX Railroad Police Department
Florin Florea, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Steve Gaona, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Brendan Gill, Miami-Dade (FL) Police Department Aviation Unit
Carrie Gordon, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Werner Grimm, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Shad Hall, San Jose (CA) Police Department
Ian Hanes, Indian River County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Mark Headrick, California Highway Patrol | Golden Gate Division
Jamieson Hicks, Lake County (IN) Sheriff
Nicholas Hillson, Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Andrew Houghton, Wyoming County (NY) Sheriff
Marlyn Johana Trinidad Llama, FIAAT/U.S. EMBASSY GUATEMALA (INL-G)
Chris Joines, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Robert Juchem, Colorado State Patrol Aircraft Section
Patty Kastoun, Peel (ON) Regional Police
David Lee, David W Lee LLC
Vitaly Litvinenko, San Jose (CA) Police Department
Eric Lopez, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Numael Felipe Lozano Hecht, FIAAT/U.S. EMBASSY GUATEMALA (INL-G)
Jose Mario Lemus Ramos, FIAAT/U.S. EMBASSY GUATEMALA (INL-G)
Todd McMahon, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Abraham Nuno, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Ryan O'Connor, San Jose (CA) Police Department
Taylor Perea, Alameda County (CA) Sheriff’s Office
Darryl Poblete, San Jose (CA) Police Department
Rudolph Princi, Stony Brook Medicine
Nick Reeves, Oxford (AL) Police Department
Ashley Reinert, STAR Flight
David Reynolds, SC Army National Guard
Edgar Rigoberto Gomez Cordon, FIAAT/U.S. EMBASSY GUATEMALA (INL-G)
Bob Rogers, Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Bradley Ryder, California Highway Patrol
James Schoeninger, Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff's Office - Aviation Services Division
Lawrence Scott, Chelan County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Carie Shigemasa, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Kelly Shortt, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Garrett Sloniker, San Jose (CA) Police Department
Ronnie Snorgrass, Civil Air Patrol
James Soh, San Jose (CA) Police Department
Joe Talamantes, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Michael Thomas, Huntington Beach (CA) Police
Jose Tio, Aerotactics
Nathaniel Velichko, San Jose (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Asha Wagner, San Jose (CA) Police Department
Kenneth Wilkerson, CSX Transportation
Pedro Yi, FIAAT/U.S. EMBASSY GUATEMALA (INL-G)
Damian Zimmerman, Illinois State Police Air Operations Bureau