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APSA E-Newsletter : 2024 April

April 2024 Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc.
APSA E-Newsletter

APSA Logo (transparent).png

In This Issue:

Honoring Excellence: APSA's 2024 Awards & Scholarships Open Until May 1

APSCON and APSCON Unmanned 2024 in Houston, TX

APSA Safety Stand-To: May 15 with Pennsylvania State Police

Maryland DNR Equips New Aircraft with Mission Suite

Group Takes Over Tampa Intersection, Starts Fire

Teledyne FLIR Accepting Entries for 2024 Vision Awards at APSCON

APSA Offers UAS Training Based on NIST Test Methods

Photography Is a Powerful Tool; Enter Air Beat's Photo Contest

Louisiana State Police Purchasing Two New Aircraft

Safety & Legal Consequences: April 18 Webinar Training Topic

Air One Helps Capture Motorcyclist After High-Speed Chase

Beekeeper Comes to Rescue After Swarm Made Home on CHP Helicopter

Mark Your Calendar: Join APSA's Online Meeting Groups

Telangana Police to Deploy Trained Eagles to Counter Drone Threats

Federal Grand Jury Indicts Woman for Pointing Laser at Aircraft

Next RPIC Hybrid Course Starts June 1; Secure Your Spot

NJ Department Adds Drone Purchased with Grant Funds

Upper Makefield Acquires New Drone, Launches Program

Visit With APSA at AUVSI Tradeshow - Booth #4320

Artist Creates New Artwork for NSW PolAir Aircraft

Texas DPS Adds Foresight to Monitor Aircraft Health

Jury Finds Man Guilty of Multiple Laser Strikes on KCSO Helo

Alabama Agency Acquires Second Helicopter Via 1033

Eden Prairie Drone Team Bolsters Police Operations

Aviation Lesson Takes Off with Help from Police Helicopter Crew

Share Your Knowledge in Air Beat, Writers Wanted

APSA Welcomes New Members

 

E-Newsletter Sponsors:

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Southeast Aerospace

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APSA Resources:

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APSA Membership Benefits

APSA Training and Education Events 

Welcome!

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.


Honoring Excellence: APSA's 2024 Awards & Scholarships Open Until May 1

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

The submission period for 2024 APSA award nominations and scholarship applications is open. Help us recognize an APSA member for their contributions to public safety aviation or your child for their academic excellence. The APSA awards recognize those individuals whose personal efforts or actions have perpetuated the professionalism and advancement of public safety aviation. The awards that APSA presents annually are:
  
    • Robert L. Cormier Award
    • Captain 'Gus' Crawford Memorial Aircrew of the Year Award
    • Technical Specialist Award
    • Safety Award
    • Fixed-Wing Operator Award
    • Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) Award
    • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Award

APSA scholarships are available to the children of APSA Individual Members to further their education past high school. While the majority of these scholarships are available only to high school seniors entering an accredited college or university, our newest scholarship, the Sherry Hadley Memorial Scholarship, joins the Clint Hunter Memorial Scholarship in also being available to those already enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or trade school. There are 19 scholarships available this year, with a total value of $47,500. Don’t let this opportunity to reward a young person for their academic excellence pass by without applying. 

The deadline for receipt of award nominations and scholarship applications is May 1, 2024. For further information or to submit award nominations and scholarship applications, visit the Awards & Scholarship section of the APSA website or simply click here.

Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the annual General Membership Meeting during APSCON 2024 in Houston, TX on Thursday, August 1. Award winners will be honored at the Awards Reception on Friday, August 2.  If you have any questions or need further information, contact Executive Director/CEO Dan Schwarzbach.
 

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APSCON and APSCON Unmanned 2024 in Houston, TX

Planning is well underway for APSCON 2024 and APSCON Unmanned, being held in Houston, TX this year, the week of July 29-August 3. These events will take place concurrently at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC). Conducted as separate educational events with a shared exhibit hall, you will have access to industry-leading public safety aviation training, products and services in one location no matter what type of aircraft you operate!

New for 2024, a flying component is being added to APSCON Unmanned! We will be offering both our Basic/Open (Test Lanes 1-3) and Advanced/Confined (Test Lanes 1-5) Proctor Training Courses based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sUAS Test Methods. NIST will be on-hand for this event and all flying will take place in our exhibit hall at GRBCC.  

The Houston Police Department Air Support Division is this year's hosts. Start making plans now to take advantage of the best public safety aviation training anywhere. More information is coming soon with registration starting on or about Wednesday, April 10th. Check your email inbox and our website regularly for the most up-to-date information. 
 

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APSA Safety Stand-To: May 15 with Pennsylvania State Police

APSA is pleased to partner with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Aircraft Section to conduct a 1-day Safety Stand-To in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The event will take place at the PSP Aviation Patrol Unit Hangar 2. Topics will include safety, crew resource management, personal protection equipment, laser strike protection, and a review of air operations from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

There is no charge to attend this excellent training, however, all attendees must be registered to participate. For complete information and to register, click here.

Two other Safety Stand-To events are scheduled for October. The Calgary (Canada) Police Service will host an in-person gathering on Oct. 16-17, and a virtual Safety Stand-To with an emphasis on natural resources will take place Oct. 23. 

APSA conducts Safety Stand-Tos on an on-request basis for members at their facility.  To schedule a Safety Stand-To in your area, please contact APSA Executive Director/CEO Dan Schwarzbach at 713-213-4749 and/or APSA Operations & Events Manager Benay Osborne at 301-631-2406.
 

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Maryland DNR Equips New Aircraft with Mission Suite

A full law enforcement mission suite was installed for the new Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) Airbus H125 helicopter by CNC Technologies recently. This is the first new aircraft for the MD DNR Aviation Unit and will provide an advanced level of aviation support for the entire state of Maryland.

The aircraft completion was conducted at Metro Aviation in Shreveport, LA, who provides aircraft completions for many law enforcement agencies across the United States and is a solid partner with CNC Technologies.

CNC Technologies equipped Maryland's aircraft with a WESCAM MX10 IR/EO camera, SHOTOVER ARS750 augmented reality system moving map, SHOTOVER ION video recorder, Trakka TLX searchlight, Troll downlink equipment (including Linkbox II transmitter and Mini II directional antenna), and Macro-Blue video monitors. Additionally, CNC will provide their signature, 24/7/365 service, support and training.

"We are excited to be the chosen partner for equipping Maryland's new aircraft with a state-of-the-art mission suite," said Alex Giuffrida, founding partner at CNC Technologies. "This marks a new level of security, safety and capability for the State of Maryland".

Source: CNC Technologies
 

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Group Takes Over Tampa Intersection, Starts Fire

Two people were arrested, and a car was impounded after the Tampa (FL) Police Department found a group of people who took over an intersection on March 16.

TPD officers went to an intersection over reports of a group of vehicles blocking the intersection. The TPD Aviation Unit's helicopter was dispatched and saw the group lighting a fire at the intersection as a "green Ford Mustang engaged in reckless driving, doing donuts, and impeding traffic in the blocked intersection." Watch the video.

TPD said they tried to stop the Mustang, but it sped away. Officers didn't give chase and instead let the helicopter follow the suspects. When the Mustang came to a stop, officers were there and arrested both the 24-year-old driver and 19-year-old passenger in the car.

"This type of street takeover not only puts participants at risk but also creates a dangerous situation for innocent motorists and pedestrians in our community," TPD Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. "It should be clear that those who choose to engage in such reckless activity will be arrested, and their vehicles will be impounded."

Source: abcactionnews.com
 

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Teledyne FLIR Accepting Entries for 2024 Vision Awards at APSCON

The tactical use of airborne thermal imaging can be one of the most powerful tools available to public safety. The Teledyne FLIR Vision Awards, presented annually during APSCON, strive to recognize state and local law enforcement agencies for their contributions to public safety through the use of tactical, airborne thermal imagery. 
 
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. Read full details and submit your videos here

The deadline to submit videos is May 17, 2024. Footage from each winning video will be shown as part of the Teledyne FLIR Vision Awards ceremony, Thursday, August 1, 2024, during APSCON 2024 in Houston, TX.
 
Source: Teledyne FLIR

 

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APSA Offers UAS Training Based on NIST Test Methods

APSA is pleased to offer the Basic/Open and Advanced/Confined Proctor Training Courses based on the NIST sUAS Test Methods. These test methods are an excellent way to add a sUAS pilot flight skills credentialing component to your sUAS program, and can also be used to evaluate sUAS capabilities and sensor systems.  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 Basic/Open Proctor Training Course is two days and covers Open Test Lanes Levels 1-3 (Level 1 – Basic Proficiency; Level 2 – Maneuvering Trials; Level 3 – Payload Functionality Trials).  The Advanced/Confined Proctor Training Course is a 3-day course covering the Open Test Lanes as well as the Obstructed (Level 4) and Confined (Level 5) Test Lanes.  Successful completion of these courses provides you with the corresponding Remote Pilot Proficiency and Proctor Certificates, allowing you to serve as a proctor for these test lanes.    

The next Advanced/Confined Proctor Training Course will take place May 20-22, 2024 in Baltimore, MD at the Randallstown Community Center. Learn more and register here.

APSA is actively seeking entities to host these Basic/Open and Advanced/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. 
 

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Photography Is a Powerful Tool; Enter Air Beat's Photo Contest

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 DJI Mini 3 Drone Aerial Camera Bundle will be presented to the winning photographer at APSCON 2024 in Houston, TX. 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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Louisiana State Police Purchasing Two New Aircraft

The Louisiana State Police (LSP) signed a purchase agreement for two Bell 407GXi aircraft. The new aircraft will work alongside six other Bell aircraft for public safety missions throughout the state.

"Bell is honored the Louisiana State Police have chosen the Bell 407GXi to expand their public safety mission capabilities," said Lane Evans, Bell Managing Director, North America. "With its upgraded avionics and customizable cabin space, the Bell 407GXi continues to advance public safety agencies throughout the world."

LSP's Air Support Unit provides aerial support to all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies within the state upon request. The Air Support Unit plans to utilize their new Bell 407GXi's to expand their public safety mission portfolio. In addition to their two new Bell 407GXi, the Air Support Unit also uses a Bell 407GXP, two Bell 430s, one Bell 206L-IV Long Ranger, and a Bell 206B-III Jet Ranger – all configured with night vision goggles, forward looking infrared cameras, and Trakka Beam and Nightsun searchlights. Its Garmin G1000H(tm) NXi Flight Deck enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload by delivering easy-to-read information at a glance.

Source: Bell
 

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Safety & Legal Consequences: April 18 Webinar Training Topic

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

• April 18: The Merger of Safety and Legal Consequences in an Aviation Unit, instructed by aviation attorney Gregory Popp. 

• May 16: Hoist Team Dynamics, instructed by David Weber, Mountain Rescue Collective, LLC. 

These webinars are offered free of charge to APSA members. To register, go to the Webinar Series landing page and simply click the registration link for the webinar(s) you would like to participate in and complete the registration form. 

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.
 

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Air One Helps Capture Motorcyclist After High-Speed Chase

A motorcyclist in Florida hit speeds of 145 mph as he taunted deputies to chase him on March 12. This included repeatedly circling patrol cars at multiple points during the pursuit, the Volusia County (FL) Sheriff's Office said. And the motorcyclist did this while wearing a GoPro camera strapped to his helmet, officials said. By the time the chase ended, the suspect was being pursued by police departments in Port Orange, New Smyrna, Ormond Beach, Edgewater and South Daytona. A Volusia County (FL) Sheriff's Office helicopter, Air One, ultimately led to the capture of the driver, who was identified as a 19-year-old man.

The chase began around 6:45 p.m. when a deputy spotted two motorcyclists riding on their back wheels in Port Orange, the incident report states. Port Orange is about a 60-mile drive northeast from Orlando. Attempts to stop the two bikers resulted in them "taunting" deputies by "riding circles within the intersection," officials said. One was caught while stopped at an intersection, while the other fled "in a reckless manner" that included speeding in excess of 145 mph, running multiple traffic lights and weaving in and out of traffic, video shows.

The suspect finally stopped after being chased on the ground and in the air for nearly 90 minutes. When asked why he didn't stop earlier, the biker said he was "scared," officials said. The motorcycle had a "WILL RUN" license plate; it was a fake purchased online. 

Charges filed against the driver include fleeing at high speed, reckless driving and possession of a counterfeit license plate, in addition to traffic violations, the Sheriff's Office said. Participating law enforcement agencies did not engage in any pursuits, instead calling in Air One to respond, follow and help protect the public from the reckless behavior on the roadways.

Source: police1.com and charlotteobserver.com
 

 
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Beekeeper Comes to Rescue After Swarm Made Home on CHP Helicopter

California Highway Patrol (CHP) pilot Shayne Dickson said he and his partner weren't quite sure what to do when they discovered thousands of bees had made a home on the nose of their helicopter on March 7. The duo typically responds to a variety of rescue, medical evacuation and search calls for the CHP Coastal Division's Air Operations team in Paso Robles.

What do you do that with a swarm of bees attached to your chopper? "We could have to go to a call on a moment's notice and having the bees on the aircraft are not conducive to operations," Dickson said. Plus, he said he had never been stung before, and wasn't about to find out if he was allergic to bee venom while in flight. 
 
CHP called a local honeybee removal expert Suzi Hulsmann, who was able to meet them on the tarmac and gently vacuum off almost three pounds of bees, which was estimated at just over 10,000 bees — plus the colony’s queen. 

"The bees were just totally agreeable," said Hulsmann, who owns and operates her company and keeps bees herself. She said she caged the queen, the key to getting the rest of the hive to relocate, within two minutes, and after about 20 more minutes, the rest were in a box suitable for bee transport. 

"The bees were looking for a new home," she said, explaining that the swarm likely had to find cover after winds picked up that afternoon. "The helicopter happened to be the temporary location." After removing the bees, she relocated them to an empty hive about 15 miles away, where she said the bees quickly made themselves at home. 

But before the CHP aircrew got back to work, Dickson said they wiped down the helicopter to try to remove any lingering pheromones from the queen — a recommendation from Hulsmann to ensure the bees wouldn’t return. "This was a first for me for sure," Dickson said. "A first for the unit, for that matter."

Source: latimes.com
 

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Mark Your Calendar: Join APSA's Online 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 registration@publicsafetyaviation.org.

The upcoming schedule for the APSA online group meetings is: 

Maintenance: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
SAR: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
UAS: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
Safety Officers: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
Natural Resources: Wednesday, June 19 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

You can see the full 2024 Online Meeting Group Schedule here.

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Telangana Police to Deploy Trained Eagles to Counter Drone Threats

Telangana State Police (TSP) in India is taking a groundbreaking step in combating drone threats by deploying trained eagles, a strategy inspired by European nations like the Netherlands and France. Over the past three years, TSP has meticulously prepared three eagles for this specialized task, marking a significant milestone in Indian law enforcement. 

In a recent demonstration held at the Integrated Intelligence Training Academy (IITA) in Moinabad, senior officers, including Director General of Police Ravi Gupta, witnessed the eagles in action. The trained birds successfully intercepted and brought down drones, showcasing the effectiveness of this unconventional approach. 

This initiative marks the first instance of any police force in India utilizing eagles for counter-drone operations, highlighting TSP's commitment to staying ahead of emerging security threats. While the Indian Army has previously employed trained kites for similar purposes, the deployment of eagles by law enforcement represents a new frontier in aerial defense tactics. 

The decision to utilize eagles comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of drones, particularly during VIP visits and public gatherings, where security vulnerabilities are heightened. Reports from the Border Security Force (BSF) indicate a significant rise in incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles smuggling arms, ammunition and drugs across the India-Pakistan border, underscoring the urgency of bolstering drone defense measures. 

By harnessing the natural instincts and predatory abilities of eagles, Telangana aims to enhance its capacity to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones swiftly and effectively. This innovative approach not only showcases the adaptability and ingenuity of law enforcement but also underscores the importance of leveraging diverse strategies to address evolving security challenges. 

Source: newstrack.com and indiatoday.in
 

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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Woman for Pointing Laser at Aircraft

A federal grand jury in Shreveport returned an indictment last month charging a 45-year-old woman with two counts of aiming a laser pointer at multiple aircraft flying in Caddo Parish, U.S. Attorney Brandon Brown said. Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 39(A). 

It is alleged in the indictment that on or about Aug. 15, the woman knowingly aimed a laser pointer at an aircraft and in the flight path of a Cessna 172L aircraft and an Airbus H125 aircraft. One of the aircraft belonged to the Baltimore (MD) Police Department's helicopter crew that was on a training flight from Metro Aviation, the Shreveport company that built their aircraft. 

A deputy who was patrolling in the area at the time found the woman pointing the green laser light at the aircraft and the ground. If convicted, she faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, on each count in the indictment.

Source: ktvz.com

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Next RPIC Hybrid Course Starts June 1; Secure Your Spot

Let us help you expand your UAS knowledge. APSA offers a Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) Course in a hybrid format. This course consists of an approximately 16-hour online, self-paced portion followed by a 4-hour live online review, Q&A and test preparation session. The course is intended for public safety personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, that are interested in obtaining their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under FAR PART 107. 

The self-paced portion is from June 3 through June 30, with the live session on July 1, 2024 from 1100-1500 EDT. The registration deadline is June 2 and the cost is $250. The registration fee includes a one-year APSA membership. Register here

Can't make these dates? No worries. APSA has two more of these courses scheduled this year. Click here for alternate dates. 
 

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NJ Department Adds Drone Purchased with Grant Funds

The Sparta (NJ) Police Department added a drone last month to enhance their mission to protect and serve the township's residents. Det. Steven Guido has the responsibility of running the department's newest piece of police equipment. "It's another advancement in technology to have in house, so we don't have to wait for other resources," Guido said.

The drone was purchased with American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA grant funds, and it has a list of features that will aid the officers with search and rescue efforts. The infrared function that picks up body heat and its night vision capabilities will help find people lost or hiding in the woods or neighborhoods.

The drone has a 200X zoom lens camera, public address loudspeaker, spotlight and laser range finder which can lock onto a person or target and give the GPS coordinates to assist officers in a search. The drone's functions are controlled by Guido using a handheld control pad with a screen. It will assist officers in finding lost hikers and runaways and allow officers to track suspects who have fled the scene of a crime or incident. The drone has an autonomous grid search feature that will automatically do a systematic search of an identified area.

The drone can provide first responders with a view of an accident or natural disaster prior to going into the area so they are able to be appropriately equipped to safely handle the situation they will be encountering. An additional function will be to archive video records of the township’s public buildings should they be needed for any insurance claim.

Source: tapinto.net
 

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Upper Makefield Acquires New Drone, Launches Program

The Upper Makefield (PA) Police Department added drone technology to its public safety arsenal last month. "As technology advances, we must evaluate how we can use those developments to better serve and protect the public," said the department in a social media post. "Although, we do our best to cover the township from the ground, we wanted to be able to cover the township from the air."

The department has acquired a DJI Mavic 3T drone to assist its officers in search and rescue missions, evacuations, accident and criminal investigations, crime scenes, fire scenes, missing person incidents, fleeing suspects, community policing, crowd surveillance, and disaster preparations, as well as assisting other township departments in the performance of their duties.

Officer Eric Farra, a four-year veteran of the department, will be in charge of the drone, having completed and passed an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) For Public Safety Course and the FAA Part 107 exam certifying him as a drone pilot. 

The drone comes equipped with thermal imaging technology, a loud speaker system which can play recorded messages or use a talk-to-text feature, a spotlight, and a maximum speed of 47 mph in sport mode. It also has a 9-mile maximum radius although the department will be restricted to a line-of-sight maximum of three miles under FAA rules.

Source: patch.com
 

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Visit With APSA at AUVSI Tradeshow - Booth #4320

XPONENTIAL 2024 is your chance to contribute to the next draft of the Blueprint for Autonomy. Each layer of the plan depends on the unique perspective and skills of leaders in the uncrewed community that includes public safety. The core themes this year include: Infrastructure and Operations, Technical Research and Development, Data and Analytics, Cybersecurity and Policy and Regulations.

The event will take place April 22-25, 2024 at the San Diego (CA) Convention Center. Come see the technology, ideas and visit with the APSA team at booth #4320. We look forward to meeting new and old friends! 
 

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Artist Creates New Artwork for NSW PolAir Aircraft

The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force Aviation Command unveiled a new look for one of the fleet's Bell 429 helicopters, known as PolAir 1. The helicopter has been wrapped in an artwork designed by artist and domestic violence survivor Chloe Spinks.

Aviation Commander Detective Superintendent Brad Monk APM said he was inspired to transform PolAir 1 after hearing Chloe's story. "I became aware of Chloe's work through my involvement with Babana Men's Group at Redfern and, as the most senior Indigenous officer in the NSW Police Force, I find the artwork and her story very inspiring. It is crucial that New South Wales Police continue to work towards building trust, breaking down barriers and strengthening relationships within our communities," Detective Superintendent Monk said.

As well as being used for rescue operations and law enforcement, the newly wrapped PolAir 1 aircraft will also play a key role in public displays. Artist Chloe Spinks said she hopes the artwork, which features her representation of Eora (Sydney), inspires other domestic violence survivors to share their stories.

Source: miragenews.com
 

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Texas DPS Adds Foresight to Monitor Aircraft Health

Metro Aviation recently delivered an Airbus H125 aircraft to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft Operations Division equipped with GPMS International's Foresight MX. With Foresight MX's all-in-one solution, Texas DPS now benefits from predictive Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS), engine monitoring, flight data monitoring, and integrated rotor track and balance. 

"Texas DPS has long been a leader in public safety aviation and a long-time completion customer of Metro Aviation," said Metro Aviation Director of Aircraft Configuration Amy McMullen. "With the use of Foresight MX, they're continuing to advance their maintenance and operational capabilities to provide maximum availability for the citizens they protect. We're proud to play a part in their advancement of safety in law enforcement aircraft."  

"We have a long, valued history with Metro Aviation," said John Byus, Director of Sales at GPMS. "As one of our most recognized Certified Installers, they've assisted with STC development, supplied key components, and provided this flawless installation of Foresight MX for the Texas DPS H125. We can't thank them enough for their support."

Source: Metro Aviation
 

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Jury Finds Man Guilty of Multiple Laser Strikes on KCSO Helo

A federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 21 against a 35-year-old man, charging him with aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft. According to court documents, on Sept. 28, 2023, the man struck a Kern County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit helicopter (Air One) 12 times with a dangerously bright green laser beam. 

The laser strikes interfered with the pilot's ability to see and avoid other aircraft and effectively monitor the aircraft instrument panel. Law enforcement officers were able to locate and seize the laser device, which bore a prominent warning label, stating, "DANGER," and warned against shining the light.

The Federal Aviation Administration received 13,304 reports of laser strikes from pilots last year, marking a 41% increase over the 9,457 reported during 2022 and setting a record for the growing hazard.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office. If convicted, the Bakersfield, CA man faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Source: justice.gov
 

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Alabama Agency Acquires Second Helicopter Via 1033

The Henry County (AL) Sheriff's Office (HCSO) recently obtained a second helicopter for their volunteer Aviation Unit. "With a majority of our area being heavily wooded area and then the east side of our county being water, having the aircraft gives us the ability to aid in search and rescue efforts," said Henry County Sheriff Eric Blankenship.

Similar to their first aircraft, HCSO was able to obtain the aircraft at no cost to the people of Henry County via the 1033 Program of the Defense Logistics Agency. Sheriff Blankenship said having a second aircraft will provide the possibility for more eyes in the sky, and help with the longevity of the program. "It keeps so many hours from being put on one aircraft to keep parts from timing out," said Sheriff Blankenship.

Though the unit is located in Henry County, HCSO's Aviation Unit helps with a variety of cases, most recently in the search for a 4-year-old girl in Barbour County. "Henry County is very fortunate to have this here for the citizens and not put a burden on their taxpayer dollars," said Blankenship.

Source: wtvy.com
 

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Eden Prairie Drone Team Bolsters Police Operations

Sgt. Tom Lowery and Sgt. Jordan Koras of the Eden Prairie (MN) Police Department met with residents last month about the department's Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) team's operations. Since its inception in 2020, the UAS Team has been a crucial asset in clutch situations, from tracking down suspects on the run to finding those who've gone missing.

The UAS Team, equipped with state-of-the-art drones, is commanded by five sworn officers and one civilian volunteer, all rigorously trained to swiftly maneuver these aerial observers. Last year alone, Eden Prairie's drones took to the skies 53 separate times, serving as an unblinking eye for the force in scenarios where every second counts.

The UAS program doesn't just bolster the police department's capabilities; it's also a testament to the evolving blend of technology and public safety. Transparency is a non-negotiable in the age of surveillance and drones. The Eden Prairie Police Department ensures to annually report their UAS activity to the state, affording a layer of accountability amidst the ever-watchful eye of technological advancements. 

Source: hoodline.com
 

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Aviation Lesson Takes Off with Help from Police Helicopter Crew

Barnegat High School partnered with the New Jersey State Police Aviation Department to bring its impressive aircraft and aircrew to the school grounds. Students from the school's Aviation, Jr. ROTC and police SHIELD programs were all on hand to witness a firsthand demonstration led by the state police's aviation team. Students from nearby Brackman Middle School who plan on entering the same programs next year also attended.

The demonstration kicked off with a thrilling sight as the helicopter touched down on the school grounds. Students then had the unique opportunity to meet the aircraft's four-person crew. The aircrew described the helicopter's various components, giving the students a behind-the-scenes look at the aircraft used for everything from locating missing persons to emergency response.

"The pilot explained how the gear and the kit for the helicopter can be swapped out at any given moment to change the functionality of the helicopter," Vice Principal Frank Pannullo said. "Whether it's going to be search and rescue, whether it's going to be survey, or whether it's going to be medevac."

"He actually gave an example that during superstorm Sandy, they removed all of the gear from the helicopter and put in seats," continued Pannullo. "The pilot who spoke was the pilot who was flying the governor around at that time to survey the damage from the storm."

An engaging Q&A session allowed the students to ask questions directly to the crew, gaining valuable insights into aviation, emergency response and law enforcement careers. The crew even discussed the educational requirements and potential career paths for students interested in following in their footsteps.

Beyond the impressive equipment, one student said he was captivated by the pilot's personal story. He enjoyed hearing how the crew assisted those in need of medical transport, from emergencies requiring hospitalization to critical situations like drownings. The student's enthusiasm mirrored the event's goal of sparking curiosity and igniting a passion for future careers in service.

Source: jerseyshoreonline.com
 

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Share Your Knowledge 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, search and rescue, 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 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 Welcomes New Members

 

APSA's networking, education and training opportunities are unique and specialized for public safety aviation. Let your colleagues and friends know about APSA. Thank you for your membership and helping APSA continue to grow. We would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during March 2024:
 

Corporate Members:APSA CorpLogo

Arrow Aviation
Cadorath
Chronos Aviation
Cognyte
CWF Precision, LLC
FlySight
Force 6
Sky Mart

 

Individual Members:APSA Individual

Wes Backes, Kern County (CA) Fire Department
David Bregman, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Joey Brewster, Regina Police Service
Daniel Bust, Queensland Police
Judi Carpenter, Intermountain Life Flight
Bryce Corman, Pennsylvania State Police
Terrence Cotcher, East Bay Regional Park District (CA) Public Safety
Isiah Dawson, Regina Police Service
Jared Ehlers, Kern County (CA) Fire Department
Brian Fischer, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Patrick Garcia, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Patrick Gonzales, Oakland Police Department
Kathryn Haddaway, Delaware State Fire Marshal
Velva Lenora Hall, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (California)
Andrew Harris, Pennsylvania State Police
Kent Harrison, Intermountain Life Flight
Tommy Hines, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SCSLED) | Headquarters
Trevor Howlett, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SCSLED) | Headquarters
Charbel Kastoun, York Regional Police
Michael Kelly, Putnam County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Guy Lawrence, Kern County (CA) Fire Department
Tom Lawrence, Tri-County Technical College
David Ledford, Alaska State Troopers
Kevin Lenihan, Kern County (CA) Fire Department
Edward McGovern    
Bret McGrath, Pennsylvania State Police
Kelli McLaughlin, Manatee County (FL) Sheriff's Office | Aviation Unit
Dan Millon, Marveto
Clint Mosley, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department | Air Operations
Paul Nelson, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Scott Niebuhr, Spokane Valley (WA) Fire Department
Gregory Oden, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Jordan Olszewski, Baltimore County (MD) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Casey Payne, Kern County (CA) Fire Department
Jesse Peterson, US Navy VX-31 Search and Rescue
Phillip Phillips, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SCSLED) | Headquarters
Ricky Porter, Clayton County Police Department
Raul Robles, Laredo Police Department
Jake Rosenblum, King County (WA) Medic One
Dave Salem, Eagle West Helicopter Services LLC
Harvey Shropshire, South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SCSLED) | Headquarters
Joseph Smith, St. Clair County (AL) Sheriff's Department
Paul Steindler, Baltimore County (MD) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Thomas Strom, Spodie Paw
Vicki Sweet, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Joshua Tassone, USN
Jon-Erik Tucker, Drug Enforcement Administration
Greg Turley, St. Clair County (AL) Sheriff's Office (Pell City) | Air Support Unit
Kevin Vinatieri, California Highway Patrol
David Weber, Mountain Rescue Collective, LLC
Earl Wheeler, New Milford (CT) Police Department
John Winovich, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department | Air Support Unit
Chris Yost, Kern County (CA) 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! 

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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
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APSA E-Newsletter Staff  
Dan Schwarzbach, Editor dschwarzbach@PublicSafetyAviation.org
Lisa Wright, Editorial Director airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org
APSA, Publisher webmaster@PublicSafetyAviation.org
Emily Tarr, Sales Representative etarr@PublicSafetyAviation.org

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 2024 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.

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