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.

Get In The Race for APSA Board Positions: Nominations Open Until Feb. 15

APSA belongs to you. Like any professional membership organization, APSA exists for you and because of you. Your membership in the association is, in essence, an investment in yourself. Participating in and utilizing your association to the fullest extent possible will earn dividends. Serving as a member of APSA's Board of Directors is one way of participating in APSA to the fullest extent. The nomination period for interested members for the 2024-2026 term is open now through Feb. 15. Get yourself nominated or nominate someone else for this rewarding experience to help lead APSA.

The following APSA Board of Directors offices are open for nomination: Vice President, Secretary, Midwest Region Director, Northeast Region Director and Western Region Director. Complete information on eligibility and nominations for APSA elections can be found on our website.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of participating in this process to shape the future. New board members bring fresh ideas and keep the association progressive," said CEO/Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach. Any questions, please call 301-631-2406.
 

APSA Rescue Summit Feb 26; Complimentary Member Registration

APSA Rescue Summit 2024 will be held in conjunction with HELI-EXPO 2024 on Monday, February 26, from 0800-1700 PST at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Located in expanded Room 303, 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. 

This year's Rescue Summit will include various presentations pertaining to helicopter rescue operations including topics such as hoisting rescue training and operations, hoist safety, victim care/field medicine, advanced rescue technology 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. For complete information, including the agenda and registration link, visit our website. Register today!

Thank you to corporate members Vita Aerospace/Air Rescue Systems, Breeze Eastern, Priority1 Air Rescue, Airbus, Collins Aerospace, Bell/Aeronautical Accessories, Leonardo and HAI for supporting this event. For information about being a Rescue Summit 2024 sponsor, contact Benay Osborne at 301-631-2406 or bosborne@publicsafetyaviation.org. 
 

APSA Announces New Scholarship Honoring Former Executive Director; 2024 Awards & Scholarships Submission Period Now Open

APSA is pleased to announce the establishment of the Sherry Hadley Memorial Scholarship to honor our former Executive Director. This newest scholarship, which provides $3,500 to the recipient, becomes APSA's most valued scholarship, recognizing the best of the best of our scholarship applicants. It increases the number of scholarships available annually from APSA to 19 with a total value of $47,500.    

Sherry was hired in 1991 and served as Executive Director for 15 years. She is credited with bringing stability and organization to the association's business operations. After leaving her position as Executive Director, Sherry remained involved in managing the association's meetings, events and tradeshows. She was behind the scenes as recently as APSCON 2023 in Orlando. Sherry was a friend, mentor and inspiration to many. Unfortunately, she passed away on November 2, 2023.

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, 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.

The submission period for 2024 APSA award nominations and scholarship applications is now open through May 1. 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

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. The deadline for receipt of award nominations and scholarship applications is May 1, 2024.

For more information about our Awards and Scholarships Program, or to submit award nominations and scholarship applications, visit the APSA website and click on Awards and Scholarships. If you have any questions or need further information, contact Executive Director/CEO Dan Schwarzbach. Don't miss these great opportunities ... they only come around once a year!
 

New Mexico Agency Welcomes Much-Needed New Aircraft

The San Juan County (NM) Sheriff's Office welcomed its new Bell 505 helicopter into service last month. Sheriff Shane Ferrari said the new helicopter had been on his wish list for an extended period, but it wasn't until March 2022 that lawmakers appropriated $3.25 million to the county for the purchase of the aircraft. Ferrari has said many times the two helicopters the Sheriff's Office has been using for the past several years are approximately 50 years old, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep them operational.

Sgt. Gary Mauldin, the chief pilot for the program, said piloting the new aircraft to New Mexico from Texas on its maiden voyage was a satisfying experience. "Just the difference in this is unbelievable," he said, smiling and comparing the smoothness of the ride in the new helicopter to the difference between going from driving a 1970s pickup to a 2023 Corvette.

The new chopper, with its state-of-the-art radar and imaging systems, will be a tremendous aid for the department in its pursuit of fugitives, Ferrari said, but it is likely to provide deputies an even bigger boost in terms of finding missing persons. Mauldin noted that 70% of the missions he and the department's other two pilots fly are devoted to search-and-rescue operations, while only 30% are devoted to pursuits.

Ferrari has always maintained that his department's helicopter fleet — which was launched in the late 1990s with 20-year-old military aircraft — is a regional asset, one that regularly is called into use by public safety agencies throughout the Four Corners, including those in Arizona, Utah and Colorado. If it weren't for the San Juan County Sheriff's Office helicopters, he said, the nearest chopper that could be used for local emergencies is in Albuquerque. "With the addition of this, we've really grown our capabilities," Ferrari said.

Now, the new Bell 505 chopper serves as the department's primary mission aircraft, while one of the two older birds will serve as its backup. The agency's third helicopter will be cannibalized for parts to keep the backup running.

Source: daily-times.com
 

Tulsa Breaks Ground on New Hangar and Office Space

The Tulsa (OK) Police Department Air Support Unit will soon have a permanent place to call home. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last month. TPD started building a new hangar and office for the Air Support Unit, which is moving to the grounds of the Police Training Academy.

The unit has operated out of the Tulsa Airpark since TPD bought the first helicopter in 1982. The unit has two helicopters that barely fit into the existing hangar, and the office space is small and outdated.

The $5.6 million project is being funded largely through the American Rescue Plan with a $3.5 million grant, local funding with $1 million from the Hardesty Family Foundation, $870,000 in city funding, and another grant for $250,000 from the Chapman Foundation.

TPD Chief Wendell Franklin said despite advances in drone technology, the department believes there will always be a role for helicopters that can fly for hours, with officers on board to relay information to officers on the ground.

TPD Lieutenant Nick Cory leads the Air Support Unit and predicted the new hangar would meet the needs of the department for at least 20 years. "We'll have a hangar that we'll be able to grow into," he said. The new building is estimated to be completed in May 2025.

In 2022, the TPD Air Support Unit caught 439 suspects, assisted in 75 other arrests, recovered 61 stolen cars, took 480 service calls and backed up fellow officers on 2,749 calls.

Source: fox23.com and newson6.com
 

HELI-EXPO 2024; Stop by APSA Booth 2624

Helicopter Association International (HAI) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, marking three-quarters of a century dedicated to growing, shaping, protecting and strengthening the international vertical aviation industry. HAI's annual HAI HELI-EXPO trade show, conference and education event will take place Feb. 26-29, 2024 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.  The event provides a platform for industry professionals to network, showcase innovations, and learn from experts. APSA's Safety Program Manager Cory DeArmitt, Aeromedical Liaison Dudley Crosson and Bryan Smith will be teaching the Aviation Safety Officer course.

Please stop by APSA booth #2624 to visit with APSA President Richard Bray, Executive Director/CEO Dan Schwarzbach, APSA Training Program Manager Dan Knight and others to learn what's in store for 2024.
 

APSA Safety Seminar Headed to Gainesville, FL

APSA Safety Seminars are offered free of charge as a benefit of membership to all active association members (a fee applies for non-members) and cover a wide range of topics through informative training classes as well as roundtable discussions.
APSA's first Safety Seminar of 2024 will take place in Gainesville, FL, April 2-4.  Registration is open via the APSA website.

The event's host hotel, the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, is offering attendees a discount rate of $149 per night until March 18. Reserve your room online. Don't miss this opportunity to participate in top-notch training, see the industry's latest products and technology displayed in the exhibit area and network with your public safety aviation peers.

Also, any member desiring to attend the Water Survival Training class on April 2 during the Safety Seminar will need to first register through Survival Systems USA by calling 860-405-0002 Ext. 25 or emailing registrar@survivalsystemsinc.com, complete a medical waiver and pay a $395 fee in advance. The class is limited to a minimum of 20 participants and a maximum of 30 participants. Registration deadline to meet minimum registration for this class in March 5.

Thank you to corporate members Bell, Airbus, Southeast Aerospace and MD Helicopters who are supporting this Safety Seminar. Information on exhibiting and additional sponsorship opportunities can be found here.

Register today! Check the APSA website regularly for the latest information on this and other APSA training events. 
 

DC's Initiative to Reduce Carjacking with Aircraft

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, DC recently launched the Robbery Suppression Initiative in hopes of cracking down on carjackings. According to police data, in 2023, there were 958 carjackings and only 173 arrests. MPD hopes in 2024, they'll be able to solve significantly more of these cases using the Air Support Unit's helicopters.

"It helps us to coordinate throughout the District, Maryland and Virginia area, and to kind of bring everybody's resources to play to stop these spree offenses," MPD Inspector Michael Pulliam said.

MPD's aircraft played a crucial role last month, when a rideshare driver picked up a group of teenagers near the D.C./Maryland line on South Capitol Street. Authorities said the teens assaulted the driver and then took off. With the help of the helicopter and increased communication with neighboring law enforcement agencies, police were able to arrest the suspects.

Those strategies were introduced over the summer as part of MPD's Robbery Suppression Initiative. "These carjacked vehicles are often then used very shortly in other offenses. It may be a chain of robberies. It may be shootings or other violent offenses," Pulliam said.

The MPD's Air Support Unit is vital to patrol operations. This unit provides watch surveillance and allows patrol managers to properly allocate and distribute patrol resources while conducting overwatch. The aircrew within this unit includes one pilot and one tactical flight officer who work together to accomplish missions and safely provide units with real-time information and assessments.

Source:  nbcwashington.com
 

Andrew Edgerton Earns HAI's Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award

Chief Pilot Andrew Edgerton of the Fairfax County (VA) Police Department Helicopter Division, and a 13-year APSA member, is the recipient of the HAI 2024 Salute to Excellence Law Enforcement Award. This award, sponsored by MD Helicopters, recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed to the promotion and advancement of rotorcraft in support of law enforcement activities. The award will be presented Feb. 26, 2024 at HELI-EXPO.

In 2010, Edgerton joined Virginia's Fairfax County Police Department Helicopter Division as a civilian line pilot flying the agency's Bell 407. He was a part of the unit in 2011 when it became the first law enforcement agency and air ambulance service in the United States to use Bell 429s. When the division's chief pilot position opened in 2021, he stepped up. "I love the flying we do, as no two days are the same, especially because of the dual services we provide the community," Edgerton said. "When the chief pilot position opened, I saw an opportunity to put my old business career skills to work to help strengthen the division."

"One of Andrew's most significant accomplishments was leading our team through a challenging transition period, which included the construction of a brand-new heliport, necessitating a three-year relocation to a temporary facility," explains Fairfax County Police Lt. Brian Bowman in his nomination of Edgerton for the award. "This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as his meticulous planning, leadership, and attention to detail ensured that our operations remained safe and uninterrupted throughout the transition. Andrew's resolute work ethic, dedication to our public safety missions, and significant contributions have not only elevated our aviation unit but have also had a profound impact on the safety and well-being of our community."

Edgerton also served as the division's Safety Officer for seven years before his promotion to Chief Pilot. In this role, he evaluated and mitigated risks associated with the unit's missions and developed plans and risk assessments to maintain safe operations. He also ensured that the agency maintained strict compliance with all aviation regulations and guidelines. He remains on the front line supporting his team by being the first to volunteer to cover shifts, including off hours and holidays.

"I really do believe in and enjoy serving the community," Edgerton says. "I get up in the morning and I want to go to work. I enjoy the administrative work, but I also love to fly. If I can pick up shifts to catch a bad guy or get someone to the hospital on their worst day while ensuring the other five pilots can attend to their personal lives, all the better."

Source: Helicopter Association International
 

Expand Your UAS Knowledge with RPIC Hybrid Course in March

APSA is pleased to offer 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 March 4 through April 1, with the live session on April 2, 2024 from 1100 - 1500 EDT. The registration deadline is March 3 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 three more of these courses scheduled throughout 2024. Click here for alternate dates.
 

CHP Rescue Saves Woman Trapped for Hours on Overturned Truck

A California Highway Patrol (CHP) Golden Gate Division Air Operations helicopter team rescued a woman last month who was trapped for almost 15 hours atop her overturned pickup truck in rushing waters after she tried to cross a swollen creek after recent rains in Northern California.

After the woman spent the night atop the vehicle, a person camping nearby spotted her the next morning and alerted the fire department. The department then turned to the CHP Air Operations for support. Several emergency agencies assisted in the rescue.

Firefighters had attempted to use their ladder truck to reach the woman until CHP Air Operations were able to send a helicopter to rescue her. Video footage shows the woman being plucked from the car by a helicopter technician using a rescue harness. CHP Golden Gate Division Air Operations said on social media that the woman was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. 

CHP flight officer and paramedic Shaun Bouyea said it was remarkable that the woman survived the 15-hour ordeal. "Climbing on top of the car saved her life," he said.

Source:  wlbt.com
 

Complimentary Webinar Training Series Continues

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:

• February 15: Fixed-Wing Tactics & Airborne Technology (fixed-wing focus), instructed by Rich Bookbinder, California Highway Patrol Office of Air Operation (Sgt./Pilot, Ret.)

• March 14: Focusing on Aerial Firefighting, instructed by Mike Sagely, Los Angeles County (CA) Fire Department - Senior Pilot

• April 18: Focusing Aircraft Liability. More information to come.

Registration for these webinars is open. To register, simply click on the webinar(s) you would 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.
 

Blaine PD Drone Helps Increase Search Capabilities

The Blaine Police Department (BPD) in Washington recently purchased a drone equipped with video and thermal imaging capabilities, all thanks to donations made by local businesses and foundations. The new piece of equipment has already been used on multiple occasions to assist officers. The drone has helped find fleeing suspects, locate trespassers on railway tracks, and even search for a black bear and two cubs, Officer Keith Olson said.

"Rather than try to confirm on foot if there was a bear and two cubs and risk getting mauled, we were able to respond to the area and determine it was in fact two deer," Olson said. The drone will also help BPD search for vulnerable adults and missing children, as well as provide safety assistance during large events.

"The ability to have eyes in the sky without helicopters or assistance from other agencies is a huge step forward for officer safety and efficiency," Olson said. The drone can fly in most weather conditions, including moderately high winds, and comes with a loudspeaker as a form of one-way communication with suspects or people in distress.

"For citizens involved with search and rescue events, the goal is to find them sooner to get them out of danger faster," said Olson. "Trying to find someone on foot whether it's on a mountain side or they're out in the ocean is already difficult as is. With the assistance of the drone, we increase our search capabilities to help those already working on the ground."

Source: thenorthernlight.com
 

APSA's NIST Course Offerings; Next UAS Basic NIST Course in Texas

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.

Based on guidance provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), APSA is slightly modifying our course offerings based on the NIST sUAS Test Methods for 2024. The Basic/Open Proctor Training Course will be reduced from three to two days and cover all open test lanes (levels 1-3) as opposed to the current level 1 only. The Advanced Proctor Training Course will remain a 3-day course but now incorporate all five proficiency test lanes (levels 1-3: Open; 4 – Obstructed; 5 – Confined). This will eliminate the Confined Proctor Training Course as a standalone offering.

The next scheduled Basic/Open Proctor Training Course, April 16-17, 2024, is in Florence, TX at the Texas Department of Public Safety's Tactical Training Center. Registration is open. This 16-hour course of classroom and hands-on flight instruction covers open test lane levels 1-3. Attendees will learn how to conduct trials and embed them into their own training and credentialing programs. Successful completion of this course will provide you with APSA Open Test Lanes (Basic Proficiency, Maneuvering, Payload Functionality) Remote Pilot Certificates as well as an APSA Open Test Lanes Proctor Certificate, allowing you to serve as a proctor for the Open Test Lanes.

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. 

HCSO Hosted Multi-Agency Aerial Firefighting Training Exercise

The Hillsborough County (FL) Sheriff's Office (HCSO) hosted a multi-agency aerial firefighting training exercise in early January. The training involved aircraft, pilots, ground crews and support staff from the Florida Forest Service, Tampa Police Department Aviation Unit, HCSO Aviation Unit, Hillsborough County Fire Department, Martin County Sheriff's Office, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, and Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

In addition to aircraft, ground crews brought ground firefighting equipment, bulldozers, trucks and fire apparatus utilized during the event. The HCSO Training Academy grounds were used as the operational base for the exercise and a landing and refueling zone for the more than 10 aircraft that attended the event.

Aircrews for the two-day exercise started with an operational briefing to discuss tactics and safety as well as communications between air and ground units. During the training, aircrews conducted hundreds of waterdrops sourced from a nearby lake staffed with HCSO divers on standby should anything go wrong at the dip site.

The detailed planning of the event was headed by Sergeant Jason Doyle, Unit Supervisor of the HCSO Aviation Unit. "I know our flight crews get a lot out of this training. We have a wide range of experience levels. Coordinating with ground assets and air assets while putting water on a live fire is the closest thing to a real scene we can simulate. We are unable to do this on our own and recognize everyone's effort to make this a safe, successful event," said Doyle. He and his team of professionals plan every aspect of the event to provide the most realistic training environment and simulate the conditions of a real-world event. 

"We are so proud to be hosting this large multi-agency training exercise. The HCSO has one of the greatest aviation units when it comes to catching criminals. Sheriff Chad Chronister implores us to find the most innovative ways to maximize the assets that we have, so whether it's fighting crime or fighting fires, that's what these training exercises are for. One of the exciting things about these days is how these folks will go out and practice on a controlled fire. It's one thing to train and simulate things, but it is completely different to train on something you may actually encounter. You can't put a price on this kind of training; it can potentially save property, but it may save people's lives," said Colonel Anthony Collins, HCSO Department of Operational Support.

Source: aerialfiremag.com
 

Add to 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, February 21, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
UAS: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Safety Officers: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)
Natural Resources: Wednesday, March 27 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)
SAR: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

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

New Jersey Drone Finds Missing Child Quickly

A child reported missing on Jan. 17 and was found in less than 10 minutes using a drone with thermal camera technology. The child was reported missing in dense woodlands during freezing weather conditions. "I think it was around 20 degrees, snow-covered in the woods," said Officer Michael Slininger of the Robbinsville (NJ) Township Police Department.

The police department's drone, which is equipped with thermal imaging cameras, was dispatched to the area. Drone video clearly shows the child's position in relation to officers participating in the search. With the child's location identified, Slininger directed ground officers through the challenging terrain. This guidance was key in reaching the child promptly and safely. The whole incident unfolded in less than 10 minutes; watch the video here.

"We did have another jurisdiction, West Windsor Township, actually sent their K-9 and they arrived there in just a few minutes," Slininger said. "But by the time the K-9 arrived, I had already located the juvenile."

Fortunately, the child was found unharmed and was soon reunited with their family. This incident underscores the value of drones in search and rescue operations, offering a high-tech solution that can save time and increase safety in challenging environments.

Source: police1.com and dronexl.co
 

Save the Date: PSP Hosts APSA Safety Stand-To on May 15

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.   

There is no charge to attend this excellent training, however, all attendees must be registered to participate. Register here. 
More information coming soon!

 

Lee County Welcomes New Helicopter to Fleet

The Lee County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit welcomed another helicopter to their aviation fleet. This is the Aviation Unit's third helicopter. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said, "I'm proud of how far we've come here at LCSO with regards to innovation and technology."

Their newest helicopter has the most advanced camera system and safety measures of the fleet. LCSO deputies use helicopters for various calls, from a missing person call to assisting the county's medical units with crashes.

This new addition is one of the LCSO's latest upgrades in technology. Sheriff Marceno said in a social media post, "Over time, we have focused efforts on upgrading our technology to ensure better safety practices, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are at the forefront of the expansion."

Source: winknews.com
 

MSP Aircrew Find Fleeing Suspects

Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Troop H and the MSP Air Wing responded to assist the Quincy Police Department (QPD) in searching for two narcotics suspects who fled from a motor vehicle crash last month. The suspects had failed to stop for QPD officers, and after crashing, they fled into the adjacent woods.

Pilot Trooper Timothy Hunt and TFO Trooper Mason Oliveira of MSP's Air 3 located the two suspects attempting to hide, lying flat on a granite outcrop. Trooper Oliveira directed ground units to the suspect’s location, and both men (ages 34 and 27) were taken into custody by QPD and arrested on multiple charges; watch the video here. 

The MSP Air Wing operates several helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft out of air bases in Plymouth, Lawrence and Chicopee. The unit is an invaluable resource to MSP and local police search, apprehension and patrol operations. The Air Wing also assists other state and local agencies as needed, including fire departments battling wildfires and other New England state police departments.

Source: MSP's Facebook

Baton Rouge Disbands Air Unit, Hands Over Hangar to Nearby Agency

The Baton Rouge (LA) Police Department disbanded its Air Support Unit and handed over use of the unit's hangar to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office (EBRSO). On March 26, 2023, BRPD Sgt. David Poirrier and Cpl. Scotty Canezaro were killed when the helicopter they were piloting in pursuit of a hit-and-run suspect crashed in a field. Though the crash is believed to have happened at around 2:30 a.m., the scene was not discovered until nearly eight hours later when a family member of one of the victims called to request a search.

After the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration initially determined that the helicopter's tail rotor hit a tree, causing it to crash upside down. However, the agency revised its preliminary report days later to say the cause of the crash was unknown. Both federal and internal investigations into the crash are ongoing.

The unit was disbanded soon after the incident, and the hangar was handed over to EBRSO in November 2023. BRPD did not publicly disclose the change.

Though the space will be used by EBRSO going forward, a plaque in remembrance of Poirrier and Canezaro now sits at the entrance to the hangar, serving as a reminder of the lives lost.

"We had an outstanding work relationship with those guys and flew together often for static displays and frequently assisted each other with calls needed. We formed friendships that would last a lifetime, not knowing how short some of those would be," EBRSO's Air Support team wrote in a statement. "When we took over the space, we were determined to allow the heritage of the flagship Air Unit in the city to never be forgotten. We wanted to forever honor the two friends we lost in March and always have a reminder of how dangerous our job can be."

The commemorative piece was made by Pics2Plaques, a Louisiana-based organization founded by 33-year law enforcement veteran Ron Cowart and his wife, Teri. According to Cowart, the plaque is a recreation of BRPD's Air Support Unit logo and displays a mourning band across the front bearing the fallen aircraft's N-number. It was delivered to its new home last month, where it's displayed alongside a FLIR hand controller for the infrared camera Poirrier and Canezaro used during their flights.

"BRPD appreciates the Air Support plaque," the department wrote in a statement. "Honoring our fallen heroes and the Air Support Unit is a constant reminder that an ultimate sacrifice has been paid in service to the citizens of Baton Rouge."

Source: theadvocate.com
 

College Students Rescued from Kentucky Gorge Amid Snowstorm

Four college students were rescued last month by the Kentucky State Police Aircraft Branch after they "underestimated" the weather conditions while camping. The young men, students at Asbury University, became stranded when they woke up covered in snow after spending the night on a sandstone formation known as Courthouse Rock in Red River Gorge.

After determining that it was not safe to climb down, the group called for help at around 9:30 a.m. Due to the icy weather conditions, first responders quickly realized that the best way to evacuate the students would be to use a helicopter, a Powell County Search and Rescue spokesperson said.

The Kentucky State Police coordinated the evacuation along with multiple agencies; watch the video here. The men were flown to Middlefork Fire Department where Powell County EMS personnel evaluated their medical needs. "Other than being cold, all four students seemed to be in good spirits," Powell County Search and Rescue said. 

First responders called the rescue "one of the most dangerous" ever attempted in the gorge, due to several inches of snow, the wind, and icy rock faces. 

Source: wlky.com
 

QPS Aircrew Helps Find Criminals Charged with Attempted Murder

Two men are facing multiple charges after firing shots in central Brisbane, Australia before fleeing and setting a car on fire in dramatic scenes captured by a Queensland Police Service (QPS) helicopter. QPS is searching for a third suspect in relation to the attack that unfolded last month.

It happened when three men in a car approached a man known to them before firing two shots from an unspecified weapon. "What we do know from the investigation is that it was a very targeted attack on one individual ... at this stage the reason for the attack, we don't know," Detective Acting Inspector Michael Hogan said. The offenders then fled the scene and drove to another location, where they set fire to the vehicle.

Video released by QPS's helicopter Polair shows a car driving away at high speed. It then shows a suspect appearing to pause, then putting up his hands and lying face down on the ground as police officers move in to arrest him.

The two men, ages 19 and 20, have been charged with four counts of attempted murder and a slew of other charges. Each man is facing 30 charges in total including wounding, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of weapons, discharge of a weapon in a public place and arson.

Source: abc.net.au
 

FAA: Dangerous Laser Strikes Increase to Highest Numbers

Dangerous laser strikes topped all previous records in 2023. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received 13,304 reports from pilots last year, a 41 percent increase over 2022.

Pilots have reported 313 injuries since the FAA began recording data on laser strikes in 2010. "The FAA is committed to maintaining the safest air transportation system in the world. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and on the ground at risk," said FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker.

People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. Violators can also face criminal penalties from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

"Like many crimes, there's a need for education, outreach, and cooperation from the public to address this safety risk. We encourage you to report laser strikes to the FAA via our website or to your local law enforcement agency," said Whitaker.

To identify laser-strike trends, the FAA’s visualization tool shows laser-strike data from 2010 to 2023 and highlights trends by geographic area, per capita data, time of day and year. The FAA shares the information to draw attention to the dangerously high rate.

Source: faa.gov
 

Schenectady Police Department to Adopt Drone Use

The Schenectady (NY) Police Department is adding drones to their ranks. Late last year, the city council approved a $695,000 contract with technology company BRINC to add a fleet of LEMUR 2 drones to the police department's emergency response system. The agreement includes an unlimited repair-and-replacement warranty, software and hardware upgrades for at least three drones.

Mayor Gary McCarthy says the devices will improve police-community relations. "It's really is just an extension of some of the technologies that we're deploying not only in public safety, but throughout city operations," said McCarthy. "BRINC is one of the leading vendors in public safety application for drones. And it's really under a new and emerging model for drones being the first responder. So, the drone could help enhance a situation if you had a robbery in progress or an active shooter situation, we also have them available already for working fires or situations with the fire department."

McCarthy said the drones would be dispatched for less urgent calls, such as non-violent and quality-of-life incidents. "You could dispatch a drone to a situation, validate the circumstances, identify the address, and be able to just call people and tell them, 'Listen, we're getting complaints from your neighbors, you got to turn your music down or we're going to send a mark car there. The drones will be deployed to supplement the police force to better identify the people, identify bad actors and hopefully create a level of deterrence," McCarthy said.

A FEMA grant of $40,000 will help cover part of the cost for the first year. The drones offer night vision, can open doors, break glass, and create 3D maps. It is expected Schenectady's drones will be fully deployed in 2025.

Source: wamc.org/news and emergencydroneresponder.com
 

Cyprus Police Aviation Unit Trains Extensively for Missions

The Cyprus Police Aviation Unit (CPAU) selected Volo Mission to collaborate and provide recurrent and initial aerial firefighting training for their pilots and aircrews. Based at Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus, CPAU operates a fleet of Bell 412s and Leonardo AW139s, engaging in diverse missions such as aerial firefighting, search and rescue, and police operations.

For firefighting, the AW139s utilize 100-foot long lines with Bambi buckets, while the Bell 412s employ belly-hooking with the Water Hog bucket system. The comprehensive training covered various aspects of aerial firefighting, encompassing safety practices and emergency procedures to dip-site recognition, drop techniques, decision making and focus, to name a few. 

A total of eight pilots and nine crew members participated in extensive ground classes, field briefings and flight training. Additionally, two senior instructors underwent a train-the-trainer course and will continue to actively work with the team to sustain and elevate the Aviation Unit’s skill level, preparing them for any potential fire missions.

The training program was intensive, filled with productive days, and culminated in an outstanding week of collaboration with highly motivated and engaged crews. The CPAU Command, along with their instructors, pilots, crew members and engineering staff demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, efficiency, professionalism and a strong commitment to safety throughout the training.

Source: Volo Mission
 

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, 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 January 2024:
 

Corporate Members:

Persistent Systems, LLC
First Aviation Services, Inc.
Teradek
 

Individual Members:

Jeffrey Adamson, Georgia State Patrol (Headquarters) Aviation Unit
Jason Arellano, Broward County (FL) Sheriff's Office | Aviation Unit
Chris Arellano, Anaheim (CA) Police Department | Air Support
Joseph 'Joe' Burden, Key Colony Beach Police
Joel Byam, Yakima County Fire District 5
Lane Cooley, Beaufort Co Sheriff's Office
Ian Crocker, Riverside (CA) Police Department | Headquarters
Jorge Cuevas, Riverside (CA) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Forrest Damon, Orange County (CA) Fire Authority | Station 61 Buena Park
Robert Dutrow, Fresno County (CA) Sheriff's Office | Air Support Unit
Ethan Endres, Alaska Department of Public Safety
Kenneth Euler, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Ron German, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Nicholas Horne, Beaufort Co Sheriff's Office
Jim Jessop, Utah Department of Public Safety / Aero Bureau
Barry Links, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
Cristian Marquez, Riverside (CA) Police Department | Aviation Unit
Timothy Olson, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
John "Jack" Scanlon, Spokane County (WA) Sheriff's Office | Search and Rescue
Stan Sgambelluri, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
David Valenti, Spokane County (WA) Sheriff's Office | Headquarters
Frank Velez, Southern California Edison Co. | Air Operations

    
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

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!

Advertise in APSA's E-Newsletter

For rates and availability, contact:

Emily Tarr
Sales Representative
(205) 563-9313 office
etarr@PublicSafetyAviation.org
http://www.publicsafetyaviation.org

Top

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.

Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc.
50 Carroll Creek Way
Suite 260
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone (301) 631-2406
Fax (301) 631-2466

Top