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The tactical use of airborne thermal imaging can be one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement. The 28th Annual Teledyne FLIR Vision Awards strive to recognize state and local law enforcement agencies for their contributions to public safety through the use of tactical, airborne thermal imagery. Help us honor the very best in airborne law enforcement use of EO/IR technology by entering.
Each year, Teledyne FLIR asks law enforcement to submit their video footage shot during rescues, pursuits, apprehensions and surveillance operations. Entries should highlight the tactical use of EO/IR technology and the importance of the airborne imaging system in the successful completion of the mission. The deadline for video submissions is May 30, 2023, and you can enter here. Multiple entries from each department and airborne team are allowed. Include a brief outline of the incident and list the name, rank and position of each crewmember via the online submission form. All types of infrared and daylight videos will be considered for these awards.
Footage from each winning video will be shown as part of the Teledyne FLIR Vision Awards ceremony, as well as highlights from submitting agencies. Awards will be presented at APSCON 2023 on Thursday, July 20 in Orlando, FL.
Source: Teledyne FLIR
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Three men face second-degree felony charges in connection with multiple reported laser strikes on an Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter that was providing aerial support for a saturation detail last month.
On April 14, Sgt. Christopher Hasty, pilot and supervisor, reported a large beam of green light being flashed in his direction. Video shows the green laser beam piercing the night sky, resembling a lighthouse or a spotlight. Sgt. Hasty then relays the location of where the laser is coming from. Five minutes later, troopers and officers had a suspect in custody.
Less than 20 minutes later, Sgt. Hasty is distracted by what he described as a high-intensity LED flashlight. “Air to ground, now we have an individual hitting us with a flashlight,” Sgt. Hasty radioed to dispatch. “There’s going to be two individuals outside some apartments. And they’re continuing to hit us with their flashlight. Be advised it’s a high-intensity searchlight beam. It’s in the same category as a laser.” Within minutes, two officers took a man into custody.
Then, roughly 30 minutes later, OSHP’s Aviation Unit is again struck by a reportedly similar laser that had struck the helicopter the prior night. “He did it to us last night from the same general location one time, and then he did it to us twice tonight,” Sgt. Hasty radioed to dispatch.
The laser and flashlight strikes resulted in the arrests of three men (ages 42, 54 and 61) on second-degree felony charges.
Although he considers it to be the best job in the world, Sgt. Hasty said laser strikes continue to cause unnecessary hazards and routinely put people in danger, both in the air and on the ground. “In a critical stage of flight— which as a helicopter pilot every stage of flight is a critical stage of flight—it is a distraction,” Hasty said. “It is an impedance to your vision. Imagine being or walking into a dark room or at your campsite and someone hitting you in the face with a high-intensity flashlight. You’re immediately not able to see, and you’re blinded from your ability to operate the aircraft.”
According to federal data, the number of laser strikes reported to the FAA has grown significantly over the past two years. “We have definitely seen a trend upward, unfortunately, in the number of laser strikes that we have had,” Hasty said.
Source: news5cleveland.com
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The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) unveiled the newest addition to its aviation fleet last month at a ceremony in Raleigh. The Bell 429 helicopter further expands the Aviation Unit’s mission of saving lives utilizing aviation assets. The ceremony was held before distinguished guests at the NCSHP’s Driving & Training Facility, showcasing what is now the largest helicopter of the agency’s aviation fleet.
The majority of the Aviation Unit’s missions conducted each year continue to be in support of partner agencies outside of the NCSHP. Year after year, 80-85% of missions are for local agencies that need help in finding missing persons and rescues.
NCSHP Commander Colonel Freddy Johnson, Jr. said, “As our state continues to grow and thrive, we as an agency must continue to possess the tools needed to positively support our agency’s lifesaving mission. We are extremely proud of what this helicopter will be able to do not just for our agency, but in support of our partner agencies across the state. We can carry more people, fly through worse weather—get on location quickly and hoist people out of danger,” said Johnson. The $10 million helicopter is the fourth to be added to the NCSHP fleet and it is the only one with hoisting capacity.
In about a month, a $5 million helicopter will also be added to the fleet. It doesn’t have all the “bells and whistles” of the Bell 429, which is why it’s not as expensive. It will be based in Salisbury along with another aircraft. The goal is to keep the NCSHP air fleet as new as possible, said Johnson. Right now, the oldest chopper in the fleet is 6 years old.
Source: www.ncdps.gov and wncn.com
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Photography is a powerful way to tell the stories behind public safety aviation. APSA invites you to enter its annual photo contest that is open now through June 30. The more photos you submit, the greater chances of winning. The grand prize of a GoPro HERO11 Black Camera with Accessories Bundle (and 1-year GoPro subscription) will be presented to the winning photographer at APSCON 2023 on July 20 in Orlando, FL. You do not need to be present to win.
To be eligible, photographers must be an APSA member in good standing. Photos submitted should have a public safety aviation element such as aircraft (helicopters, fixed-wing or UAS), aircrews, missions, trainings, etc. and include a photo caption of less than 25 words. Click here to learn more and submit your photos.
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A police helicopter is being credited with catching three suspects in connection with a vehicle theft investigation last month. York Regional Police (YRP) released video from the agency’s Air2 helicopter showing how the aircraft helped officers on the ground track the suspects and take them into custody.
Police on patrol noticed an idling vehicle with no front plate. Officers approached the vehicle to investigate further, but the driver sped away. To help in the chase, police called in air support. Footage from the helicopter’s camera shows the suspect vehicle traveling on the highway before stopping. Police successfully deployed a tire deflation device, which led to the vehicle being disabled.
“Okay, vehicle is stationary. Prepare for a bailout,” an officer in the helicopter is heard saying in the video. Three people are then seen exiting the vehicle and running away. “Okay, vehicle is out of play. Lights and sirens are a go. They are running southbound (Highway) 27 from Major (Mackenzie). If we can get units, start setting up perimeter before we work anybody to try and pick anybody off for an arrest,” an officer says on the radio.
The suspects scatter as police arrive. One suspect is seen dropping on the ground as an officer catches up and arrests him. The second suspect was found with the help of the K9 Unit. “We have three. So, there’s one outstanding,” an officer says as the helicopter camera zeroes in on a bush. “And I think we may have him. There is a heat anomaly back in the front of the hotel.” The K9 Unit was called to the location, and the suspect later emerged from the bush with his hands up.
Police seized several master keys for vehicles during the arrest. One of the three suspects, a 22-year-old, has been charged with possession of an automobile master key, conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, flight from a peace officer, escape from lawful custody and breach of probation. The other two are facing charges of possession of an automobile master key and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense.
“It didn’t take long for the new Air2 to prove itself,” YRP Chief Jim MacSween said in a news release. “The capabilities of our Air Support Unit allow us to respond to calls like this swiftly and safely.”
Source: cp24.com
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APSA is privileged to be exhibiting at two industry events in the next six weeks. If you are attending the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International’s (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL 2023 in Denver next week, stop be booth #2227 and learn about APSA’s UAS offerings and provide feedback on what you’d like to see from APSA for your UAS program. Likewise, APSA will be participating and exhibiting in PAvCon Europe 2023 in Bilbao, Spain, June 5-7. We’d love for you to stop by, catch up and discuss APSA’s current offerings and share ideas on what APSA can do for you in the future.
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A gunman is accused of firing at a Phoenix Police Department helicopter last month. The incident began as an armed bank robbery, when the suspect walked into the bank armed with a gun, an explosive device, and a duffle bag. The suspect took money from the bank and customers and left in his car. Investigators say a witness started following the suspect, as well as a sergeant in an unmarked truck. A police helicopter that was nearby also started tracking the suspect.
The police helicopter and the sergeant in an unmarked truck spotted the suspected vehicle on the interstate. The man then got off the interstate and turned into a strip mall, where he exited his vehicle and fired 26 rounds at the police helicopter. The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing at a parking lot in the area. The police sergeant following him opened fire and struck the suspect. The injured suspect returned to his vehicle and sped off, but he was apprehended soon after. A homemade bomb was found in the 37-year-old man’s car.
No police officers or bystanders were injured. The man faces multiple felony charges, including armed robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person. “We’re very fortunate there were no community members hurt by this,” said Sgt. Melissa Soliz. “This could have gone bad in so many ways.”
Source: FOX 10 Phoenix and officer.com
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APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR, natural resource, 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 tpalmer@publicsafetyaviation.org.
The schedule for upcoming APSA online meetings is as follows:
Safety Officers: Friday, May 26, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
Maintenance: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
Natural Resources: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)
UAS: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)
SAR: Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
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A suspected burglar was caught by a National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter’s thermal imaging camera despite a bungling attempt to camouflage himself as a solar panel. The hapless suspect was quickly caught lying completely still on a commercial roof in a row of solar panels.
NPAS tweeted the bungled getaway attempt, adding: “Another burglary suspect located by us attempting to hide on a roof in Wadsworth. Friendly advice for any burglars that use Twitter — pretending to be solar panel on a roof will not fool us or our camera!!… you’re welcome!” Mocking the suspect, the social team added: “They’ll never find me if I just lay here and pretend I’m a solar panel! Wrong!!”
The capture came after West Midlands Police had issued an alert when $125,000 worth of solar panels were reported stolen from solar farms.
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
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As part of APSA’s education and training program, members have access to webinars. On May 18, the topic is Training Tactical Operations with instructor Nick Minx of Tactical Flying, Inc. from 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern. Webinars are offered free of charge to APSA members, but you do need to register.
Interested in sponsoring a future webinar and addressing the participants? Contact Benay Osborne by email ( or call her at 301-631-2406 for details.
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APSA offers three proctor courses based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sUAS Test Methods: Basic, Advanced and Confined. These test methods can be used to evaluate sUAS capabilities and sensor systems, remote pilot proficiency and credentialing. Attendees to these courses must 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.
The Advanced Course covers the Open and Obstructed Test Lanes. The Open Test Lanes evaluate 5 different flight paths (Position, Traverse, Orbit, Inspect, Recon) to identify objects from safe altitudes in open environments. These tests are scalable for all sizes of aircraft to demonstrate positive control at all times with accurate perches. They can be performed outdoors or indoors to control lighting and weather. The Obstructed Test Lanes enable remote pilots to fly safe and repeatable flight paths to inspect objects within close proximity to obstructions. They include a comprehensive set of 5 different tests with increasing difficulty (Perch, Wall, Ground, Alley, Post) that guide remote pilots through a series of 10 positions, orientations, and perches within both the standard test lanes and the operational scenarios embedded with scoring tasks. They can be performed outdoors or indoors to control lighting, weather, and access to the Global Positioning System (GPS). Upcoming courses include:
• September 20-22, 2023 in Fort Wayne, IN.
The Confined Course covers the Confined Test Lanes, which enable remote pilots to fly safe and repeatable flight paths to inspect objects within confined environments and interior room-to-room searches. They include a comprehensive set of 5 different tests with increasing difficulty (Perch, Wall, Ground, Alley, Post) that guide remote pilots through a series of 10 positions, orientations, and perches within both the standard test lanes and the operational scenarios embedded with scoring tasks. They can be performed outdoors or indoors to control lighting, weather, and access to the Global Positioning System (GPS). Upcoming courses include:
• September 18-19, 2023 in Fort Wayne, IN.
If your agency is interested in hosting any of these courses and receiving a free set of NIST sUAS Test Methods apparatus along with complimentary registration, contact APSA Training Program Manager Terry Palmer.
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The U.S. Coast Guard called the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) requesting the medevac for an injured woman aboard the 960-foot Carnival Legend. The cruise ship, which departed Baltimore, was enroute to Nassau in the Bahamas when the 68-year-old woman suffered injuries from a fall. Trooper 7 crews from the Southern Maryland Section responded.
Upon reaching the cruise ship, the pilots maneuvered the Leonardo AW139 helicopter into position and deployed a Trooper/Paramedic to the deck of the moving ship to perform a patient assessment. The Trooper/Paramedic secured the woman in a Patient Extrication Platform, or PEP bag. The patient, with the Trooper/Paramedic, was then hoisted approximately 50 feet from deck of the ship into the aircraft. Trooper 7 transitioned into a medevac role and flew the patient to Prince George’s County for additional evaluation and treatment.
MSPAC operates a fleet of 10 Leonardo AW139 helicopters from seven bases throughout the state. Each aircraft provides coverage 24/7/365 to Maryland residents and visitors. The missions include medevac, law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security and disaster assessment. The success of the missions relies heavily on the cooperative efforts of local fire, rescue, EMS, law enforcement agencies, and our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Park Police.
Source: news.maryland.gov
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How can small and mid-sized aviation operators implement a safety management system (SMS) to improve their safety and prevent accidents? It’s not as daunting or as costly and resource-intensive as it may seem. It is possible to establish an SMS for every operation because these systems can be scaled to an operator’s size and complexity and customized to address unique risks. On May 11 at 1 p.m., watch this special live NTSB webinar to see how.
The webinar will start with accident case studies that highlight why the NTSB has long advocated for SMS in all passenger-carrying operations. NTSB investigations of Part 135 and Part 91 accidents have revealed many examples of operators lacking an SMS or having an ineffective SMS that did not identify risks that played a role in accidents. Additionally, the webinar will describe cultural characteristics observed that were contrary to effective safety management and contributed to some of these accidents.
NTSB Board Member Michael Graham will moderate a roundtable discussion with several small to midsized operators in various stages of SMS implementation to explore why they chose to implement an SMS, how they are incorporating the four SMS components (safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, safety promotion), the challenges they overcame, and the safety and economic benefits they are seeing.
All aviation operators no matter their operating part or size are sure to leave the webinar with new ideas and strategies for making SMS possible. Register here.
Source: ntsb.gov/news
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Just before midnight on April 16, New York State Police (NYSP) troopers were dispatched to a call of a suicidal female. When troopers arrived at the residence, they interviewed the subject’s estranged boyfriend who stated that his 47-year-old ex-girlfriend called him and told him she was going to kill herself by overdosing on medication. The male was able to locate her vehicle by using a cell phone app. The vehicle was found at a marina.
The Ilion Police Department was sent to the marina and quickly located the woman’s vehicle, unoccupied. At the scene of the vehicle, they located empty prescription pill bottles. Troopers were able to “ping” the woman’s cell phone which also showed to be in the general area of the marina. Several police agencies began to search the area to no avail. The estranged boyfriend called the female’s phone and was able to speak with her. She stated that she was lying down and was incapacitated in a wooded area.
A NYSP UAS team then responded utilizing thermal imaging, and they located the woman in approximately 20 minutes. She was lying in an extremely dense, swampy area dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. The NYSP drone pilot directed searching members to the location of the woman. The searchers waded through knee-deep swampy areas to reach the woman who was extricated to a waiting ambulance.
The quick thinking of the troopers on the scene of the initial call, the assistance of the various police agencies, and the use of the thermal camera on the UAS all led to a successful search and rescue of the victim.
Source: www.nyspnews.com
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Italian Police scooped up two tons of cocaine last month, wrapped in protective plastic and bobbing in the Mediterranean Sea off eastern Sicily. Italian Guardia di Finanza estimated that the recent “catch” would have fetched nearly $450 million in street sales.
A maritime surveillance aircraft spotted the packages floating in the waters and alerted the police. The packages of cocaine were strung together with netting, Italian Guardia di Finanza said in a statement. There was just enough plastic wrapping to keep the cocaine from getting wet without weighing it down and possibly sinking it. Investigators hypothesized that a cargo ship left it in the sea as part of a scheme for another vessel to come along and eventually bring it to land.
Police aircraft flew over the area of sea as a precaution to spot any other cocaine bundles that might have separated from the netting. In all, police recovered more than 1,600 packets of cocaine held in 70 bobbing bundles, the statement said.
Source: abcnews.go.com
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Devon and Cornwall Police in southwest England are using drones as a way to crackdown on speeding drivers in the region. The police drones are targeting motorcyclists in particular after an increase of serious collisions last year, with around 200 riders either killed or badly injured.
The drones will help to calculate vehicle speed live using fixed points on the road and will also record live video of all incidents, meaning any dangerous or inappropriate driving will be caught on camera. When a vehicle is detected breaking the law, details will be relayed to officers on the ground, which will allow police to check the tax and insurance status of the motorbike and whether it is reported as stolen. Nearby speed detection officers will then use calibrated laser cameras to accurately record the speed of the vehicle before the driver or rider is pulled over.
Chief Inspector Ben Asprey said, “Sadly last year was a terrible year for serious and fatal collisions involving motorcyclists. In 2022, 16 motorcyclists were killed on Devon and Cornwall’s roads, the highest figure in the past five years. A further 187 were also left seriously injured." Despite motorcyclists making up less than 1% of overall traffic, they account for roughly one-third of all serious and fatal collisions in our area. Asprey said it’s important to remember that these aren’t just numbers, these are people’s loved ones – parents, sons, daughters, friends and partners – and we are determined to drive those numbers down.
Inspector Colin Harper remarked that, “This innovative use of drones will give us early warning of any offenses and allow us to be far more targeted in our approach on the ground. We will be deploying this technology on roads where we know motorbikes are traveling too fast, and also around dates and locations where motorcycle events are scheduled to take place. This technology can and will be used to help detect speeding and dangerous driving in all vehicles on our roads. At present, our focus is on motorcyclists who are at highest-risk according to our data, particularly at this time of year when more riders will be venturing out again after the winter.”
Source: uasvision.com
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Richard Earl Francis, 51, of Bakersfield, CA was sentenced to one month more in prison to be followed by 11 months home detention and 36 months of supervised release for knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Kern County (CA) Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit helicopter.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2022, while the KCSO’s helicopter was patrolling an area of Bakersfield, Francis shined a bright green laser into the cockpit of the aircraft four times. One of the airmen experienced temporary loss of vision in his right eye as a result of the laser. On Dec. 13, 2022, Francis pled guilty to knowingly aiming a laser at an aircraft.
In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration received 9,457 reports of laser strikes. In 2022, on average, there were three laser strike incidents reported every month in Bakersfield alone.
Source: justice.gov
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Two former Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Game Warden Pilots (now known as Conservation Officer Pilots) were posthumously inducted to the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame at its annual banquet on April 1. The families of Officer Robert D. Hodge and Officer John J. Parker were present to receive this prestigious honor.
Both men were World War II veterans, and long-time pilots with the MNDNR. Watch the induction video for Officer Hodge and Officer Parker.
Since 1988, the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame has inducted just over 200 persons, and displays these inductees at the Wings of the North Museum at Flying Cloud Airport. In addition to the award presented to the inductee, the Hall of Fame also creates a duplicate plaque which goes into a permanent archive for museum display.
Source: mahof.org
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A 52-year-old man was arrested after shooting at a woman and a Houston (TX) Police Department helicopter last month. The situation started in southeast Houston in a neighborhood just before 2:30 a.m. Police responded after getting reports that the man was shooting at a woman.
When the HPD helicopter arrived to survey the scene, the man started shooting at it. The man eventually surrendered. Fortunately, the helicopter was not damaged and the aircrew were not injured.
The suspect was later detained and officers recovered the weapon from the residence. The man was charged with aggravated assault of a family member; it’s not clear if he will face more charges.
Source: khou.com
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Aviation Maintenance Technician Day is May 24. APSA salutes those men and women who maintain public safety aircraft and enable our aviators to safely and successfully complete their missions.
As you know, the story of humankind’s first experience taking a flight can be attributed to two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, who’s unhindered dedication to achieve beyond what was thought possible led them to greatness. But it wasn’t entirely on their own. The year was 1899 when they began their experiments. The Wright brothers made their way to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina for its consistent breeze that would assist in their efforts. They based their research largely on the design of the Chanute-Herring biplane hang glider, or the “double decker” as the Wright brothers referred to it. They used aeronautical data published by Otto Lilienthal, another aviation pioneer who flew his experiments in Germany. The Wright brothers carefully studied Lilienthal’s work, modified and perfected it, developing distinct ways to avoid nose dives and catastrophic failures.
In 1902, a mechanic by the name of Charles Edward Taylor joined in their journey and built a 12-horsepower engine light enough for flight. It is Charles Taylor who we specifically honor on this day because, without him, none of the success of the Wright brothers would have occurred. Through their experiments, they catapulted aviation technology into the working principles for modern aircraft. Charles Taylor continued in the field of aviation maintenance for more than 60 years.
Like Taylor, aviation maintenance technicians around the world work in the background, keeping public safety, civilian and military aircraft safe. On May 24th, we recognize their achievements and humble history.
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Three people accused of stealing a truck were taken into custody after a high-speed chase through Detroit’s east side. The chase was recorded by a Michigan State Police (MSP) Aviation Unit helicopter. The accused truck thieves sped down streets and toward oncoming traffic during the chase. Watch the helicopter’s video here.
The driver merged onto the interstate, nearly side-swiping a semi truck. Moments later, the truck jumped a curb and rolled into a nearby home. Two people inside the truck took off running. The third person in the truck drove off again, but crashed into a utility pole and was quickly arrested.
Police searched for the two other people and one of them was found on the roof of a home and arrested. The third suspect was located by the aircrew in a bush, and he was arrested after the K-9 Unit was called in. All three suspects are facing multiple felonies, including assault with attempt to murder and multiple gun charges.
Source: clickondetroit.com
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In a 4-1 vote, the Board of Supervisors last month approved Riverside County (CA) Sheriff Chad Bianco’s request to purchase a new Airbus AS350 helicopter and a Pilatus PC-12 single-engine fixed-wing for patrol and other deployments, at a total cost of $18.46 million. The funds for the purchases will be drawn from departmental accounts, not the county General Fund.
“Our aviation division is robust for a patrol setting,” Bianco said ahead of the vote. “But you look at the size of our agency and the county, and it’s almost laughable. Aviation is absolutely necessary for an efficient law enforcement operation.”
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Aviation Unit currently has six Airbus helicopters and a Cessna 182 Skylane. The helicopters were manufactured between 2000 and 2020; the Cessna rolled off the assembly line in 1974. Bianco said the new helicopter will be based at Cochran Regional Airport, raising the airborne patrol fleet to the number needed for “close to 24-hour coverage” on both the east and west ends of the 7,208-square-mile county.
Source: heysocal.com
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The Hemet (CA) Police Department is launching a trial program which will utilize drone technology to provide law enforcement with essential information when responding to emergencies. The “Drone as a First Responder” program uses unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipped with video cameras to provide aerial coverage of incidents for use by officers on the ground.
“The concept is to utilize a UAS to fly to any reported emergency and arrive before police officers on the ground. An Air Support officer will operate the UAS remotely and immediately communicate with field personnel via radio,” Alan Reyes, a department spokesperson said. The video feed will be immediately available to every officer in the field through vehicle computers or smartphone apps, allowing officers to “see for themselves what they are responding to”.
The drones will also be equipped with CAPE, a software platform with live streaming capabilities. “By integrating CAPE-equipped drones into the DFR program, officers can respond to and assess active situations sooner and make lifesaving decisions on-scene.” Drone videos captured in the field will be stored in the same manner as footage from body-worn cameras and investigation evidence.
The Hemet Police Department is the first police department in Riverside County to introduce a Drone As A First Responder program, according to the news release.
Source: ktla.com/news
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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.) Editorial topics include safety, equipment/training, maintenance, tactics and more. Our editorial team is always looking for public safety agencies that want to highlight their aviation unit or members who want to share their knowledge, so please reach out.
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 would love to hear from you and be able to spotlight your agency in Air Beat this year. Email us at airbeat@publicsafetyaviation.org for information.
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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 April 2023:
Corporate Members:
Berry Aviation, Inc.
PHI MRO Services
Wing
Individual Members:
Elliot Acosta, Benton County (AR) Sheriff's Office
Matthew Andrews-Sales, NYPD / TARU
Robert Bailey, NYPD / TARU
Ryan Bailey, Wilmington (NC) Police Department | SABLE
Norbert Balint, Squadsight Inc.
Benjamin Bartholomew, Cass County Sheriff's Office
Lincoln Black, Render Security Engineering
Andrew Brayman, Maryland Natural Resources Police
John Breitenbach, Citrus County Sheriffs Department
Brent Burnette, Customs and Border Protection
Scott Coulson, Sky Valley Fire
Andrew Cummins, Maryland Natural Resources Police
Kenneth Custodio, Cass County Sheriff's Office
Megan Descalzi, Baltimore Police Department
James Ehlers, Self
James Eichel, Albuquerque Police Department
Rashid Ellis, US Secret Service | Communications Center (RTC)
Christopher Elrod, Prince George's County (MD) Police Department | Aviation Section
Ryan Franks, Baltimore County (MD) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Lance Hamilton, Fairfax County (VA) Police Department | Helicopter Division
Ray Harrod, La Vista Police Department
Randy Hayes, Putnam County Sheriff's Office
Kimberly Heilman, Kiwi Consulting, LLC
Michael Hicks, Modesto Police Department
Chad Ingram, Delaware State Fire School
Jonathan Jeffers, New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
Christina Keefer, East Bay Regional Park District (CA) Police | Hayward
Kasey Keeler, US Secret Service | Communications Center (RTC)
Christopher Kramer, Miami Dade Fire Rescue, Air Rescue
James Landreneau, Louisiana State Police Air Support Unit
Ricardo Lemus, Rotorcraft Support, Inc / San Diego Police Department
Ani Marcheva, CVSA (DRIVER TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT)
Greg McClendon, Pierce County Sheriff
Paul Moyer, Alaska Department of Public Safety | Alaska State Troopers | Aircraft Section
Patrick Newton, Broward sheriffs office
Sean Owens, Self
Michele Patterson, Papillion Police
Justin Phillips, Cass County Sheriff's Office
Jeff Quale, US Border Patrol
Martin Reinwein
Travis Rozeboom, Papillion Police Department
Jasen Sack, Michigan State Police | Aviation Section
Edgar Sandoval, Hastings Police Department
Mark Seamans, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Dexter Soward, New Hanover County Sheriff Office
Bailey Stafford, Greenhills Fire Department
Gregory Tirado, Maine State Police
Jeffery Wilson, Anne Arundel County (MD) Police Department | Aviation Unit
If you know of other public safety aviators or industry-related companies that could benefit by becoming APSA members, please share this link and help our association grow!
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Get Your Organization's News Online
Send your press releases, company logos and photos to:
Lisa Wright
Editorial Director
airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org
Join Our Mailing List
APSA's Monthly E-Newsletters are designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry. Our E-Newsletters are distributed by email, as an additional benefit to our membership. To join our mailing list, you must be a member. If you are not a member of APSA, sign up today!
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etarr@PublicSafetyAviation.org
http://www.publicsafetyaviation.org
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This newsletter is published monthly by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), a public benefit, non-profit California corporation. APSA is comprised of air crew and air support personnel in public safety and others who support, promote, and advance the safe and effective use of aircraft by governmental agencies in support of public safety operations.
© Copyright 2023 by the Airborne Public Safety Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this newsletter in whole or in part without written permission from the Editor is prohibited. Product and corporate names mentioned in this newsletter are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), its Board of Directors, staff or membership; nor shall their publication imply endorsement on the part of APSA of any content or claims made therein. APSA disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and makes no judgment regarding the accuracy of posted information. In no event will APSA be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the publication or any subsequent public distribution thereof.
Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc.
50 Carroll Creek Way
Suite 260
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone (301) 631-2406
Fax (301) 631-2466
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