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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.

Paying Tribute to Former Association Leader

Sherry Hadley sadly passed away on November 3, 2023, at the age of 76. In 1991, she became the Executive Director for the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA, now known as APSA). She served in that role for 15 years. She has since been involved in the management of the association’s meetings, events and tradeshows. Sherry was behind-the-scenes at APSCON 2023 in July, and she loved working and building relationships with the members, vendors/exhibitors, and law enforcement officers involved with airborne law enforcement.  

Sherry loved to travel and, since 2013, she had traveled on nine Viking River and Ocean cruises throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. In August of this year, she and husband Howard traveled from Paris to Prague on a Viking River Cruise and she unfortunately tested positive for Covid-19 upon her arrival home. In early September, she tested negative but continued to suffer from long-term Covid-19 symptoms followed by additional complications with her heart and other organs. Sherry continued to maintain her positive attitude during the last two weeks in spite of the health issues, including going out to dinner, shopping and even attending a Halloween party for Trick-or-Treaters.   

Sherry was a lover of animals and an avid reader. She suffered cardiac arrest while peacefully laying in bed with her Kindle and cat Winston, and she never recovered. 

Sherry is survived by her loving husband Howard Hadley and children, Kelly and Matt, stepson Kristopher, stepdaughter Mikala, and grandchildren. Sherry was well-loved by everyone who knew her and will be fondly remembered and missed.

Nov 14-16: Join Us in Spokane, WA Next Week

APSA conducts virtual Safety Stand-Tos online as well as in-person Safety Stand-Tos on an on-request basis for members at their facilities. Next week, Nov. 14-16, the Spokane (WA) Regional Air Support Unit will host a Safety Stand-To at Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Center. While the water egress survival (dunker) training scheduled for Thursday, November 16 is full, there’s plenty of room in the hoist class on Tuesday and the classroom training day on Wednesday, November 14-15, respectively, so register today! 

Thank you to event sponsors Bell, Canyon AeroConnect, CNC Technologies, Collins Aerospace, Dallas Avionics, Macro-Blue, MD Helicopters, Trakka Systems and L3HARRIS for their generous support of this event.

Safety Stand-Tos are open to both APSA members and non-members. To schedule an in-person Safety Stand-To in your area, please email
Dan Schwarzbach or call him at 713-213-4749. 
 

Baltimore County Police Aviation Team Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary by Hosting APSA Safety Stand-To

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore County (MD) Police Department Aviation Unit, a special commemorative event took place at their hangar at Martin State Airport on October 11 in conjunction with APSA's Safety Stand-To. Since its inception in 1983, the Aviation Unit has amassed an impressive record of nearly 51,000 flight hours without a single accident. To commemorate this milestone, several proclamations and citations were presented to Police Chief Robert McCullough during the event. 

A special presentation was made to Roy Taylor, the visionary behind the department's aviation team. In a unique gesture back in 1983, Taylor took out a $6,000 loan, bought a Cessna 150 and spent another $6,000 to outfit it for police work. "I leased it to the county for $1 a year. For two years, they leased it, and then I donated it to them," Taylor said. "What was crazy is that there was no money back then. I paid for maintenance on that aircraft too."

It would be almost nine years before the unit would get its first helicopter, and now, the department has three helicopters equipped with state-of-the-art technology with a new aircraft on the way. The Aviation Unit's chief pilot Dan Wolf said the unit that started with Taylor now has seven full-time pilots, two supervisors and four tactical flight officers. "I owe my whole career to Roy," Wolf said. "We are a force multiplier by 10. So, we can accomplish what 10 ground officers can see." Taylor will forever be a part of the Aviation Unit as his police department ID number is displayed on one of the helicopters in his honor.

"It's the best job in the world to go out there and do an operation that is significant and enhances law enforcement safety, and it keeps individuals on their toes because people out there that are doing bad stuff, they don't know if they're sitting there watching them or not," Taylor said.
 

Source: shorenewsnetwork.com and wbaltv.com

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Shooting Down Sheriff's Drone, Faces Up to 10 Years

A 52-year-old Florida man has to pay damages of $29,034 to the Lake County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) and faces up to a decade in federal prison because he shot down a sheriff's drone in 2021. The man pleaded guilty last month to possessing a firearm as a felon. The man had 29 previous felony convictions, including grand theft and assault, and has served time in prison. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

Deputies had responded to a possible burglary at a property next door to the man's home on July 11, 2021. To help with the search, the deployed a drone to survey the area. They then heard gunshots from nearby and saw the drone fall from the sky. Following the sound of the gunshot, the deputies approached the suspect. At first, he denied responsibility. When deputies told him the drone carried a camera, he remained silent, shaking his head and sighing, according to body camera footage. The man then admitted to shooting the drone and claimed it was harassing him, court records state. 

His plea deal includes paying for the value of the LCSO drone and a possible 10-year federal prison term.
 

Source: justice.gov and policemag.com
 

South Carolina Aircrews Come Together to Honor Fallen Officer

Eight aircraft participated in a flyover for Richland County (SC) Sheriff's Office Deputy Jacob Eric Salrin, who was killed on Sept. 29 in vehicle crash while responding to shots fired call in a residential neighborhood. Deputy Salrin, 23, had served with the Richland County Sheriff's Department for one year and graduated from the police academy in January 2023. Days before the crash, Salrin was selected as Deputy of the Quarter for his region. He will receive the award posthumously.

"He loved being a deputy and working at the Richland County Sheriff's Department, making the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved," the obituary said. "While his time as a deputy was not very long, he made a tremendous impact on every life that he touched."

Aircraft in the funeral's flyover were from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, Florence County Sheriff's Office, Greenville County Sheriff's Office, Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office and Richland County Sheriff's Office (with an OH-58 and a Huey). There was a total of eight aircraft, representing every agency in South Carolina that currently has a helicopter. 

Source: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
 

Monroe County Orders Three New AW139 Helicopters

An order was made last month for three AW139 medium twin-engine helicopters by Monroe County, FL. These aircraft will be operated by Trauma Star, a joint effort of Monroe County Fire Rescue and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. The AW139s will be delivered from Leonardo's production facility in Philadelphia, PA, between the end of 2024 and early 2025, after which they will undergo dedicated mission customization before replacing the county’s existing fleet.

"An extensive search for a replacement aircraft was made to update Trauma Star's aging fleet of Sikorsky S76 aircraft with a newer, manufacturer-supported aircraft. The goal was an aircraft that would increase operating cost efficiency and reduce downtime due to unscheduled maintenance. The AW139 is the only aircraft available that will meet Trauma Star's mission profile, able to fly the distance, carry our payloads and utilize our current landing zones" said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay.

Monroe County is the southernmost county in Florida, and the United States, and includes Key West, Marathon, Key Colony Beach, Layton and Islamorada. The county is spread across 3,737 square miles, 73% of which is water, and includes large portions of the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.

"We are honored to begin our long-term partnership with Monroe County, and we are confident that the AW139 will provide Trauma Star with the capabilities they need to safely and effectively rescue and transport patients in Southern Florida" said Clyde Woltman, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo Helicopters US. 

Source: Leonardo
 

Two Webinars Remaining This Year; Free Member Registration

APSA offers a monthly Webinar Series as part of our education and training program. Recognizing the need to provide training to those members who may not be able to travel to in-person APSA events, these webinars continue the series of live, online training originally brought about by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduled for Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern, the upcoming schedule and topics in this series are:

• November 16: Corrosion Prevention and Repairs, instructed by Chris Matt, PHI MRO Services

• December 14: Thermography for Manned and Unmanned Aircraft, instructed by Nick Minx, Tactical Flying

Registration for these webinars are open.  To register, simply click on the webinar(s) you’d like to participate in and complete the registration form. These webinars are offered free of charge to APSA members. 

Interested in sponsoring one or more of these webinars and addressing the participants?  
Contact Benay Osborne by email  or call her at 301-631-2406 for details.
 

APSA UAS Basic NIST Course in Texas

APSA offers three proctor courses based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sUAS Test Methods: Basic, Advanced and Confined. The NIST sUAS Test Methods include four different "test lanes" : Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilots (BPERP-Part 107 qualification); Open Test Lane; Obstructed Test Lane; and Confined Test Lane. These test methods can be used to evaluate sUAS capabilities and sensor systems, remote pilot proficiency and credentialing. Those registering for 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 tests are easy to conduct alone or in groups, and inexpensive enough to set up multiple concurrent lanes. They are quick to perform, typically less than 30 minutes to conduct all the tests in a given lane, so they can support flying practice for remote pilots at the beginning of every training session. The NIST sUAS 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 apparatus, conduct trials, and embed them into their own training and credentialing programs. 

The Basic Course is 24 hours of classroom and hands-on flight instruction and covers the BPERP test lanes. Attendees will learn how to fabricate apparatus, conduct trials, and embed them into their own training and credentialing programs. Successful completion of this course will provide you with a Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilot (BPERP) Certificate and NIST Test Methods Basic Proctor Certificate of Completion, allowing you to serve as a proctor for the BPERP evaluation.  
The next scheduled Basic Course, April 16-18, 2024, is in Florence, TX at the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Tactical Training Center.  Registration is open. 

APSA is actively seeking entities to host Basic, Advanced and Confined courses.  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, please email Dan Schwarzbach  or call him at 713-213-4749. 
 

Save the Date: Rescue Summit 2024

APSA Rescue Summit 2024 will be held in conjunction with HELI-EXPO 2024 on Monday, February 26, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.

Rescue Summit 2024 is for all who use VTOL aircraft in rescue operations.  Registration for the event is complimentary as a benefit of membership; a nominal fee for non-members applies. Rescue Summit 2024 will include various presentations pertaining to helicopter rescue operations including topics such as hoisting, safety and critical incident & accident reviews. Networking opportunities are scheduled throughout the day.

There is no cost to members for this event, but registration is required. Watch the APSA website for more information on registration and the agenda to be posted soon.  
 

Blue Grass Airport (Lexington, KY) Hosts Free SAR Courses

There are two upcoming free courses to be hosted by Blue Grass Airport Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Training Center in Lexington, KY early next year.

The 5-day United States Coast Guard (USCG) Inland SAR Planning Course will be held on Jan. 22-26, 2024. This advanced USCG course is directed toward SAR leaders in federal, state, and local emergency services and law enforcement, as well as volunteer SAR agencies -- those few people who are responsible for the planning and overall conduct of inland search missions. Aiming to "find the objective fast," the course centers on tools to help SAR decision makers determine where to search, how to divide an area between limited search resources, and how to craft the overall search effort to gain the best increases in likelihood of success at each step. The tools are mathematically based and not for the faint of heart; they help quantify the uncertainties of the search problem to allow consistent application throughout a mission. The deadline for registration is Dec. 11.  For questions, registration information or other locations, please contact the National Search and Rescue School by e-mail at nationalsarschool@gmail.com or USAFInlandSARSchool@uscg.mil. 

On March 12-14, the United States Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) is offering a 3-day Basic Inland Search and Rescue Course (BISC) for which registration is also free. The BISC was developed to bring "SAR from a federal perspective" to the men and women of local, state and federal agencies within the United States. The course is administered by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Specific areas covered include: SAR Network Overview, AFRCC, Resources and Mission Types, Radar and Cell Phone Forensics, Beacons, FAA, Mission Operations to include search theory/family and media. The focus of the course is to provide an environment that will allow the attendees to discuss their past experiences, concerns for SAR and do that "all-important" networking that is needed to provide a cooperative SAR network. To register, click here. 

Source: Air Force Rescue Coordination Center
 

Kern County Sheriff's Office Receives First New Helicopter

The Kern County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit officially unveiled the newest tool in their arsenal last month, a new patrol helicopter. The Airbus H125 helicopter will be used for patrol and search and rescue operations. 

The $6 million helicopter is equipped with all the bells and whistles needed to use it for surveillance, rescue, and so much more. The money for the new aircraft came from downsizing their fleet as well as taxpayer dollars. Tactical Flight Officer Steven Brewster and Pilot Deputy Kevin Austin made it clear during the unveiling that they are passionate about what they do. "I love my job, that's why I don't want to retire. I'm going on 34 years and people ask me why I don't want to retire. Why would I want to retire from my dream job?" Austin said. "There's times I literally have to pinch myself and ask how am I so blessed to be in the position that I am in," Brewster added.

With only four pilots in the department, they're all highly trained and know how to do their job well. "Our primary focus, obviously we want to catch bad guys, we want to find missing kids, we want to find missing adults, we want to find missing people up in the mountain, but my ultimate goal and the ultimate goal of all TFOs, especially in our unit, is to keep the boys on the ground safe," Brewster said. KCSO is expected to receive a second Airbus H125 in the next 90 days.

Source: kbak.com

With Help from Air Support, Officers Make Multiple Arrests in Auto Burglary Operation

The Oakland (CA) Police Department (OPD) arrested seven people in a special one-day undercover operation targeting car burglars in late September. All seven of the suspects were caught in the act. Oakland Police have been strategizing to reduce crime through recurring operations in auto burglary suppression. There have been nearly 11,000 car burglaries in Oakland this year, up 41% since this time last year. 

Officers assigned to the Violent Crime Operations Center (VCOC), as well as the Community Resource Officer (CRO) Unit, caught two people in the act of breaking into a Mercedes GLC 300. The OPD Air Support Unit helicopter and officers on the ground followed the car. After a foot chase, officers arrested the two individuals, ages 24 and 25.

In the second case, VCOC and CRO officers watched two people cutting off a catalytic converter from a parked vehicle. When officers attempted to intervene, they fled in their stolen vehicle and intentionally rammed an OPD unmarked police vehicle, barely missing an undercover officer. With the assistance of the OPD helicopter aircrew, officers tracked the vehicle. Following a foot pursuit, both individuals were taken into custody. Inside the vehicle, officers found three catalytic converters along with power tools.

The third investigation was conducted by officers assigned to the Ceasefire Division. Officers observed three people occupying a car looking into other vehicles. Officers followed the vehicle out of the area and discovered that it had a license plate that was not registered to the vehicle. When officers attempted to stop the car, it fled. OPD’s aircrew followed the vehicle, from which officers arrested three individuals and recovered two firearms, one of which had a high-capacity magazine. Additionally, items from previous auto burglaries and burglary tools were found inside the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen.

"Our goal is to significantly reduce [auto burglaries] and get this problem under control so people could come to this city and feel like they don’t have to worry about their car getting broken into," said Interim Assistant Police Chief Tony Jones. Police are asking people not to engage with people who are breaking into cars. "We don’t want people to risk their personal safety over personal belongings," said Chief Jones. "It’s just not worth it." 

Source: news.yahoo.com and ktvu.com
 

Laser Offender Sentenced to Prison

An Omaha man will spend more than a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to pointing a laser at an Omaha Police Department (OPD) Aviation Unit helicopter on Oct. 23, 2021. The 34-year-old man was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, which is a federal felony offense. He will also be required to spend two years on supervised release upon his release from prison.

According to man's plea agreement, the OPD helicopter was on patrol at about 9:30 p.m., when the cockpit was illuminated with a green laser light. The pilot was startled but maintained level flight, and the observer in the helicopter used an infrared camera to track the location of the laser. The origin was tracked and the man handed the laser to police, explaining that he was shining the laser on nearby buildings. Investigators determined that the laser pointer had been angled about 44 degrees when it shone into the helicopter cockpit, but that there were no tall buildings nearby that were in the direction of the helicopter.

In his petition to plead guilty, the man wrote that the laser pointer he used was part of his work equipment. He said he was on a smoke break at work and was pointing the laser at different things to see how far it would go. "I heard the helicopter and pointed the laser near it," the man wrote. "I was not aware it was a crime. I regret my actions."

Source: wowt.com
 

Add to Calendar: Join APSA's Online Special Meeting Groups

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 dschwarzbach@publicsafetyaviation.org.

The schedule for the remaining 2023 APSA online group meetings is:

Safety Officers: Friday, November 17, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Maintenance: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1700 UTC)
Natural Resources: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)

Visit this link for the schedule of future online meetings for the SAR, UAS and other online group meetings. 
 

Delaware Police Purchase Bell 429, Agency Marks 100 Years

The Delaware State Police (DSP) Aviation Unit signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 429 helicopters. In addition to law enforcement operations, the Bell 429 will also aid in the completion of emergency medical services and search-and-rescue operations. 

"This year, Bell joins in DSP's celebration of an incredible achievement," said Lane Evans, director, North America Sales. "The Bell 429 aircraft will be the second Bell 429 to join DSP's fleet and continue to be critical to providing law enforcement services to its more than 1 million citizens and visitors, and we look forward to building our rich history well into the future."

A long-time Bell operator, the DSP is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. "DSP greatly values our long-standing relationship with Bell, and we are most proud of our 429 aircraft. The citizens and visitors of our state rely on us to transport critically sick and injured patients, locate the missing and lost, while providing aerial support for police-related missions. In turn, we rely on Bell to provide us with top-tier equipment and helicopters to fulfill this role. Bell answers this call time and time again," said Captain Jeff Whitmarsh, DSP Aviation Unit Commander.

Source: Bell
 

Aircrew and K9 Find Fleeing Felon

A Sacramento County (CA) Sheriff's Office K9 named Philbert apprehended a felon who was armed with a gun last month. At around 11 p.m., deputies responded to a disturbance call in which a man at the caller’s residence had a gun and was refusing to leave. While the caller was on the phone with dispatch, the man allegedly attempted to shoot someone inside the house, but missed. As deputies were responding, the man fled on foot.

A Sacramento Police Department Air Operations Unit helicopter aircrew and a sheriff's deputy with a Drone Unit located a heat source and clothing in a nearby cornfield. After several K9 announcements without a response, K9 Philbert set up along the fence line and located the suspect trying to hide in the field. Instead of surrendering, police said the man tried to fight with K9 Philbert while holding a gun.

The man reportedly dropped the gun during the scuffle and then allegedly tried to run away over a fence into another residential backyard. K9 Philbert successfully apprehended him before he could escape, and deputies took him into custody without further incident. Deputies retrieved the loaded firearm, which was booked into evidence. The man was charged with various felony charges, including attempted murder. 

Source: fox40.com
 

Robeson County Acquires Helicopter 

The Robeson County (NC) Sheriff's Office Aviation Division has added a Bell OH-58 helicopter to its fleet. Initially, the helicopter was assigned to the Columbus County (NC) Sheriff’s Office, but following an agreement between Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers and Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins, the helicopter was acquired through the North Carolina Law Enforcement Support Office and has been reassigned.

"Receiving a helicopter from the state's Department of Public Safety LESO Program (Law Enforcement Support Office) is something I have worked towards since taking office in 2018," Wilkins says in a news release. "As the state's largest landmass county, this addition will be beneficial in assisting with surveillance and search operations, searches for wanted, missing and endangered persons, and other airborne operations to assist our first responders."

The helicopter and mandated maintenance come at no cost to the county, and the Robeson County Sheriff's Office is also receiving a fueling truck from the Columbus County Sheriff's Office at no cost.

The Aviation Division will use the helicopter and its two drones to provide air support to Robeson County and surrounding counties upon request, as well as airborne support to Robeson County's Emergency Services and Fire Departments. The Sheriff's Office also received another non-flyable helicopter for parts, valued in excess of over $100,000. "That helicopter has since been cannibalized for parts, and the remaining fuselage will be returned to the state," the Sheriff's Office said.

In addition to its many law enforcement applications, the helicopter may be required to assist other agencies in diversified missions. The Aviation Division also plays an active and critical role in activities relating to public relations and can offer an enjoyable engagement with kids.

Source: robesonian.com
 

Replacement Helicopter Ordered for SC Sheriff's Office

A new helicopter is officially in the works for the Charleston County (SC) Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Aviation Unit. The county council's Finance Committee approved the Bell 407 GXi helicopter purchase last month which may cost up to $7 million. CCSO is replacing the helicopter that crashed at the Charleston International Airport on Aug. 1, 2023.

Once the contract is finalized, CCSO should receive the new helicopter in 12 to 14 months. CCSO officials say they've had to rely on South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)'s helicopter in Columbia when they're in need since the crash. By having their own chopper, CCSO can get it up in the sky in a matter of minutes in situations where the assistance of a helicopter is needed.

"Especially at night," public information office Amber Allen said. "We had infrared technology, so we could see people or detect heat from a person's body in the dark to help assist us." Allen said pilots with CCSO will eventually travel to where the aircraft is being built to learn about the aircraft and its technology before it is put into service.

Source: live5news.com

Cochise County Receives State Grant for Helicopter

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) in Arizona is adding a helicopter named Hawkeye to its fleet to help with rescues and pursuits. Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said the agency received the helicopter from a state grant, securing funding for the helicopter and the extra staff needed for five years. 

Sheriff Dannels said the helicopter will help with rescue efforts and the pursuits local law enforcement have encountered. "We put the aircraft over the vehicle, we can reduce our speed when it comes to the law enforcement chasing cause you're not going to out run the helicopter," he said. "So, having that helicopter over a suspect vehicle, running from law enforcement, now we have eyes and ears and we can record from the sky. Everything is right there."

CCSO logos and decals will decorate the helicopter in the near future, confirms Sheriff Dannels. The office is also adding cameras and night vision equipment to the helicopter to help them with tracking down people and cars. All the work should be completed in January. 

Source: kgun9.com
 

Aerial Speed Enforcement Effort Curbs Aggressive Driving

Members of the Anne Arundel County (MD) Police Department's Traffic Safety Section, with the assistance of the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Aviation Unit, conducted a high-intensity speed enforcement detail on October 25, 2023, during the midday hours. Utilizing marked and unmarked cars and motorcycles for the 2.5-hour detail, officers made 23 traffic stops and issued citations for egregious speed violations. The Aviation Unit observed multiple speeds in excess of 85 mph and relayed the violator information to units on the ground. 

This enforcement effort is a continuation of directed enforcement patrols conducted on various county roadways due to crashes, aggressive driving, and speed complaints. Additional enforcement efforts will be conducted on various county roadways to deter aggressive driving, distracted driving, speeding, and occupant protection. 

Source: Anne Arundel County Special Operations Division
 

Man Arrested on Multiple Charges After Vehicle Pursuit

A 44-year-old man faces multiple criminal charges from two different Northern Virginia counties in connection to a police pursuit last month. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) arrested the man after he attempted to carjack two vehicles.

Helicopter video shared by the FCPD shows a man trying the driver's doors of a gray minivan and a red sedan while running away from officers, who ultimately tackle him to the ground. The FCPD has now charged him with carjacking, disregarding police commands to stop, a felony hit-and-run, driving without a license and reckless driving.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is expected to file charges of its own related to the pursuit, which began shortly before 2 p.m. after someone called 911 to report an abduction in progress. According to the LCSO, the vehicle the man was driving during the chase had been reported stolen on March 16, noting that SUV "had been repainted from its original green color to black."

LCSO said it already had several open warrants for the man charging him with two counts of possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, fleeing and eluding, driving without a license, and three counts of violating probation.

Source: www.ffxnow.com
 

Man in Top Hat Arrested After Pointing Laser at Police Helicopter

A 52-year-old man was arrested after he pointed a laser at Michigan State Police Aviation Unit's Trooper 3 helicopter last month.  Trooper 3 was on patrol over Detroit when a suspect in a top hat and peacoat pointed a laser at them. The man continued to point the laser at the helicopter as troopers responded to the area. 

When troopers arrived, they found a man, matching the description of the suspect, pointing a green laser at the ground as he was walking on the sidewalk. He was soon arrested; watch the video.

"It's not often we see suspects walking around in top hats, but it did make him easy to identify," said MSP Lt. Mike Shaw. "We can't stress enough how dangerous it is to point lasers at any aircraft. We will continue to track down those who do this in order to keep our pilots safe."

Source: wjla.com and cbsnews.com

NC Agency To Replace LSA With Used Cessna Airplane

At the request of Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers, the Guilford County (NC) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit was given approval by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to buy a newer airplane for its fleet. The county first began using a Tecnam Eaglet light sport aircraft in 2008, and now the engine has reached the maximum allowable flight hours. 

The department calls the plane a vital resource to aid in the detection and combating of criminal activity. The aircraft is a tool in emergency situations, such as missing persons, crimes in progress, vehicle pursuits. etc. According to department officials, the Tecnam Eaglet is still constantly used to help with investigations and operations. The department reported that between January 1 and the end of May 2023, the aircraft flew over 360 hours.

The Sheriff's Office has priced several different planes as well as discussed leasing a plane. "It was determined that leasing an airplane would not be a cost-effective use of funds. The Sheriff's Office has determined the Cessna 172 is the type of airplane which would offer the needed flight capabilities and allow better repair and maintenance resources."

The department requested to use money from Federal Forfeiture Funds and estimates that $450,000 will cover the cost of the airplane, the estimated sales tax and the cost of upgraded avionics, gear and instruments.

Source: rhinotimes.com
 

Police Drone Team Assist During Manhunt

The Miami (OK) Police Department shared a video of a recent department assist as their drone team used thermal imaging to locate a fugitive from justice. The manhunt included Ottawa County and MPD deputies, Quapaw Marshals, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. They were searching for an adult male wanted on numerous felony warrants.

"Drone video shows [subject] hiding in tall grass and undetectable. The MPD drone operator used thermal imaging to locate [subject] and direct officers to his position," said a MPD spokesperson. The video shows the drone eventually hovering directly above the subject who was not visible from ground level. The video is muted as released to the public but the MPD drone team gave officers on the ground verbal instructions to the exact location of the subject in tall grass. 

The man was taken into custody and was booked on multiple charges that included aggravated DUI, driving while license suspended and second-degree burglary. "This is a great example of the teamwork and cooperation Ottawa County agencies have in working together to make our community safer," MPD said.

Source: koamnewsnow.com
 

Spotlight Your Aviation Unit in Air Beat, Writers Wanted

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, 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, natural resource conservation, firefighting, emergency medical transport, or search and rescue, or if you operate helicopters, fixed-wing or unmanned platforms, we’d 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.
 

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 October 2023: 
 

Corporate Members:

Influential Drones
 

Individual Members:

Ryan Chandler, King County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Julian Chivington, King County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Robert Clarkson, King County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Mike Flaviani, Oakland County Sheriff
Ben Gardner, King County (WA) Sheriff's Office | Woodinville
Tyler Grosser, Kansas City MO, Fire Department
Joseph Longbrake, Lee Lewis Construction
Chase McEvilly, King County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Erik Pierson, King County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Eric Smoot, Lakeville Fire Department

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! 

Get Your Organization's News Online

Send your press releases, company logos and photos to:

Lisa Wright
Editorial Director
airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org

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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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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.

(c) 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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