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APSA's E-Newsletter is designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry. The E-Newsletter may also be read online here at our website. Maine Game Warden Pilot Killed in Crash
The search for Gordon began when his wife reported him missing after he did not return to their home from his day on patrol. He and his airplane were found after an intensive overnight search that included his colleagues from the warden service and nine aircraft from the Maine Forest Service, Maine State Police, the Houlton Air Branch of Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol and Civil Air Patrol. Gordon's untimely death stunned and saddened those who worked with him. "This has been a difficult day for the warden service and one I never wanted to experience as chief of the Maine Warden Service," Maine Warden Service Col. Joel Wilkinson said, his voice breaking with emotion. "We lost a devoted pilot whose service to the state of Maine has been extraordinary," he said. "So many people have had loved ones returned to them through the aerial search and rescue efforts of this gentleman. Without him, a lot of lives would not have been saved." In the hours before the crash, Gordon had been flying general patrol by himself, providing information for law enforcement and wardens working on the ground and surveying the area for deer. Gordon was one of only three pilots assigned to the warden service. As such, he was responsible for covering a vast area. His work took him over some of the state's most remote and rugged terrain and through some of Maine's most severe weather. Gordon was the 15th game warden to die in line of duty in the Maine Warden Service's 130-year history. Source: http://new.bangordailynews.com Sheriff Unveils New Hangar Built By Inmate Labor
Maj. Chris Nocco praised White for listening to deputies when they came to him with the idea. "He probably thought we were crazy when a bunch of us came to him and said, 'We want to build a hangar,' " Nocco said. "It was a real team effort, and the Inmate Labor Unit was instrumental in completing the job. White agreed. "It's one thing to lead law enforcement; it's another thing to lead inmates," he said. "But they're grateful for being allowed to spend their time (on the project) and to be a part of something this big." SOURCE: http://www2.tbo.com Orange County Welcomes New Chain of Command
The OCSD Air Support Bureau has been operational for more than 25 years and is responsible for saving many lives, protecting massive amounts of property, assisting in high-speed pursuits and finding fugitives. Pictured here are Commander Don Barnes, Assistant Sheriff Mark Billings, Deputy Mike Russell and Undersheriff Scott. Source: http://blog.ocsd.org APSA's Awards & $28,000 Worth of Scholarships; Nominate Now!
APSA is proud to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in the name of public safety. There are six awards to honor those who have demonstrated excellence and professionalism in the performance and advancement of airborne law enforcement. Eligibility and submission requirements can be found athttp://archives.alea.org/Members/restricted/scholarships/app.aspx. There are 12 scholarships, with a combined worth of $28,000, that are available to children of APSA members. The awards and scholarships will be presented at the annual APSA Awards Banquet conducted during our 41st Annual Conference & Exposition in New Orleans, LA, July 20-23, 2011. Please direct any questions to the Chair of the Awards and Scholarships Committee at dschwarzbach@PublicSafetyAviation.org or to Steve Ingley at singley@PublicSafetyAviation.org or 301-631-2406. Don't delay; submit your nomination or application today! Source: APSA Teenager Pleads Guilty To Three Laser Strikes A judge told an 18-year-old from Stockport, England last month that it was only his age that saved him from being locked up. The teenager shone a green laser at two commercial aircraft and, three hours later, he targeted a police helicopter. He pleaded guilty to behaving in a way likely to endanger an aircraft and was given a six-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of unpaid work. During sentencing, Judge Lesley Newton said, "Perhaps you have given some thought to what sentence you may serve now if the planes had crashed and people died – you would be in prison for the rest of your life. It is fortunate that the pilot's skills were enough to avoid an accident. Only your age saves you from immediate custodial sentence and you should consider yourself fortunate." Source: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news Ontario Police Acquire Third Aircraft
"The AS350 B2 is the perfect aircraft for our operation," said Sgt. Eric Weidner, the officer in charge of the Ontario Police Department's Air Support Unit. "With its payload and performance capabilities, the AS350 B2 has allowed us to continue to evolve as a department and expand the type of missions we perform." The Ontario Police Department, which has been operating helicopters since 1989, acquired its first B2 in 2002. The Air Support Unit has nine full-time officers and flies 365 days a year. The unit averages around 1,000 hours per year on each of their two airframes, with 70-80 percent of their flights flown at night. "We spend a lot of time in the air, so the AS350 B2's comfortable platform, both in terms of cabin spaciousness and flexibility, coupled with its low noise signature, are important features," continued Weidner. "This reduces crew fatigue, allows for safer operations and makes us environmentally friendly." Source: American Eurocopter ASU Announces Night Vision Award Mixer at APSA Conference
ASU will give awards for the following categories: 5-year service award, 10-year service award, Community Awareness award, and Mark of Excellence award. Nominations will be accepted until June 17, 2011. Forms can be completed online or can be downloaded by visiting http://www.asu-nvg.com/asu_night_vision_awards/ "APSA's annual conference is a unique event that provides us with an opportunity to honor airborne law enforcement agencies," said Mike Atwood Founder and President of ASU. "This mixer will give everyone attending APSA an opportunity to help us honor the award recipients while socializing prior to the Pig Pickin'. We look forward to honoring them and spending time with everyone there." ASU will host an afternoon mixer from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at the convention center during which the awards will be presented. Drinks and light appetizers will be served. Source: ASU DeKalb Grounds Police Helicopter Patrols
"Effective immediately, helicopter response to calls for service is very limited. Aerial Support is suspending all helicopter activities, operations and call-outs," Assistant Chief Lisa A. Gassner said. The helicopter will only be used for critical public safety emergencies, such as floods and officer-involved shootings. SOURCE: www.ajc.com HAI Salutes Excellence In Rotor Industry
Keith Johnson, APSA's Safety Program Manager, was recognized with the AgustaWestland Safety Award, which acknowledges outstanding contributions in the promotion of safety and safety awareness throughout the international helicopter community. He has volunteered hundreds of hours to support helicopter safety initiatives through the APSA, the HAI Safety Committee and the International Helicopter Safety Team (for which he chairs the Safety Management System working group). The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter 6597, Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) Aviation Detachment earned the MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award. Deployed to the USCG Cutter Sherman as part of Joint Interagency Task Force South in the waters off the southeastern U.S., this crew interdicted six vessels engaged in illegal drug smuggling and accomplished the unprecedented feat of stopping four vessels in one mission. This award recognizes those who have contributed to the promotion and advancement of helicopters in support of law enforcement activities. Source: HAI Experience Realistic Water Survival Training
After more than 12 years in business, Survival Systems USA has trained over 100,000 individuals from every corner of the globe. The Modular Egress Training Simulator (METS) will still be the backbone of their training, but the environmental simulations are sure to make this the most realistic and hands-on training the company has ever offered. The company provides onsite training at APSA's regional safety seminars and its annual conference each year. Source: SSUSA New Helicopter Video Footage Of 9/11 Released
The video is part of a cache of information from the attack handed over to the National Institute of Standards and Technology under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act last month. Only police helicopters were allowed in the airspace near the skyscrapers, and the officers were the only ones shooting images from above. More than 2,750 people died in the attacks on the WTC. Source: http://news.sky.com Philippine 'Sky Police' Program Takes Flight
The Sky Police is manned by PNP's Special Action Force (SAF) under the direct operational control of the National Operational Center (NOC) and the Regional Tactical Operations and Intelligence Center (RTOIC). The PNP commissioned three R-44 Raven aircraft in 2010. The police helicopters have night flying capability, searchlight, infrared imaging system, and a dual audio controller for police radios. PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr. said the tactical capability of these aircraft translates to greater operational advantage in the PNP's public safety and law enforcement missions. Source: http://www.pia.gov North Florida Aviation Program Back In Business The Escambia County (FL) Sheriff's Office helicopter will fly again thanks to a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The aviation unit restarted last month on a temporary basis. One pilot and one tactical flight officer will comprise the new unit. "The helicopter is an effective tool and as long as grant funding is available, we will continue to use the helicopter on a limited basis," Sheriff David Morgan said. Neighboring Pensacola Police Department Chief Chip Simmons said word of the helicopter's resurgence is welcome news. "They've always been willing to help out if they were able to," he said. "Any time you can have an asset like a helicopter, it can be beneficial to tracking people and searches. We appreciate that it's back up in the air." SOURCE: www.pnj.com Police Helicopters Go To Work In China
Source: www.peopledaily.com Donated Helicopter Gets Approval for Overhaul
Yavapai County (AZ) Sheriff's Office plans to use the helicopter in daytime rescue-related incidents throughout the county. Before the aircraft can fly, a complete refurbishment is needed to be in compliance with FAA regulations. The cost of the overhaul, which will take place over the next three to four months, will come from $150,000 in drug seizure money and a $100,000 grant from the Public Safety Stabilization Program through the Arizona Governor's Office of Economic Recovery. Source: www.dcourier.com Chicago Couple Arrested For Shining Laser
They were charged with two counts of discharging a laser pointer at a police officer and four counts of discharging a laser at an aircraft. The man pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful use of a weapon and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, 18 months of probation and 30 days of SWAP (Sheriff's Work Alternative Program). The woman will appear in court on May 4. Source: www.suntimes.com/news IACP Police Aviation Award; Seeking Nominations
The award will emphasize initiatives to enhance the general level of safety of operations, accident prevention programs and the efficiency and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement. Submissions are to be no more than two pages in length and may be accompanied by explanatory photographs. No video or audiotapes will be accepted. Nominations must be postmarked no later than May 31, 2011. Submit to IACP, Attn: Mike Fergus, IACP Technology Center, 515 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Source: IACP What Are You Waiting For? Enter Air Beat's Photo Contest
The entry period is open until July 1, 2011. The winner will be announced at the General Membership Meeting during the 41st Annual Conference & Exposition in New Orleans, LA on July 21, 2011. For submission and eligibility details, please click here. http://archives.alea.org/public/airbeat/contest/default.aspx. Continuing Education Offered in Virginia Beach!
Aside from the continuing education, there will be networking opportunities to meet other airborne officers and learn more about the latest products and technology specific to your job. The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center is the host hotel with a discounted room rate of $109 until May 2, 2011. Any questions, please contact Kevin Chittick at kchittick@PublicSafetyAviation.org. Register now! |
A warden pilot with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife died on March 24 when his Cessna airplane crashed. Daryl Gordon, 60, was a 25-year veteran of the Maine Warden Service.
Pasco County (FL) Sheriff Bob White was smiling inside the police department's new, 10,000-square-foot building that was built with the help of free inmate labor. The hangar's total cost was $336,686, which is well below the three bids near $1 million to complete the project. "We have a marvelous facility that we should have had years ago," White said. Four aircraft will be housed at the new hangar.
The Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department Air Support Bureau held its annual BBQ last month and welcomed a new chain of command, Assistant Sheriff Mark Billings, Commander Don Barnes, Captain Tim Moy and Lieutenant Robert Peterson. The new chain of command is due in part to the retirement of Captain Brian Wilkerson of the Homeland Security Division and Lieutenant Mike Betzler of the Special Enforcement Bureau.
APSA is now accepting nominations for its annual awards and applications for this year's scholarships. The submission deadline is May 1, 2011.
The Ontario (CA) Police Department ordered their third AS350 B2 last month. The aircraft, which will enter service in late spring, will primarily be used for aerial patrol and special operations surveillance.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) is now accepting nominations for their night vision service awards that they will present during APSA's 41st Annual Conference & Exposition. Any flight operation using night vision systems is eligible.
As part of $33.6 million in budget cuts demanded by the DeKalb County Commission last month, the DeKalb County (GA) Police Department Aerial Support Unit has had to ground its police helicopter. Fuel, maintenance and other expenses associated with the helicopter are said to be too costly during the current budget crunch.
During the Helicopter Association International's HELI-EXPO 2011 last month, winners of its 50th annual "Salute to Excellence" awards were honored. "Since helicopters first flew, this industry's members have been using exceptional skill and dedication to aid and support the public greater good," HAI President Matt Zuccaro said.
Survival Systems USA Inc., a leader in underwater egress and survival training, had a grand opening of their state-of-the-art Survival Training Simulation Theatre last month at their headquarters in Groton, CT. This facility is now home to the most up-to-date and sophisticated underwater egress, surface water survival and environmental simulations available. Students can now experience rain, wind, thunder, lightning, fog and the downwash from a rescue aircraft.
New video has been released of the burning World Trade Center (WTC) following the September 11 attacks in 2001. The footage was taken from a New York Police Department helicopter hovering above the doomed towers. Officers on board had been hoping to rescue survivors from the rooftops, only to find no one there.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched its aerial program, Sky Police, last month that officials hope will help boost PNP's crime fighting capability. According to Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Robredo, the Sky Police will conduct aerial patrols as well as monitor incidents, provide surveillance, security and real time information to the PNP ground units operating in Metro Manila and neighboring regions.
On March 28, 2011, two police helicopters were formally put into operation in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province. The Kunming Public Security Bureau will launch construction of an aviation division and related equipment in order to carry out constabulary duties, including cracking down on serious crime, handling emergency situations and participating in rescues and disaster relief work.
With very little discussion, Yavapai County (AZ) Board of Supervisors last month approved a contract between for the overhaul of a 2005 Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter that was donated to the county by Guidance Helicopters Inc. in October 2010. This donation was valued at $180,000.
A man and a woman were arrested last month after allegedly pointing a laser at a commercial airplane near Midway International Airport and then at a responding Chicago Police Department (CPD) helicopter. The airborne flight crew determined where the laser was coming from and directed CPD ground units to that spot. Upon arrival, officers found the man and woman seated in a vehicle and in possession of a laser.
Awarded by the leadership of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and its Aviation Committee, the Excellence in Police Aviation Award is presented annually. To be eligible, the nominee should be an individual who holds a management or leadership position in police aviation. The nominee could also be an aviation program or unit that exemplifies excellence in airborne law enforcement.
The APSA and its editorial team launched the first-ever Air Beat Magazine cover photo contest last month. Most all of the Air Beat covers are taken by APSA members like you, so get out your digital camera and send us the best three photos you have. The winner will receive a new Apple iPad!
The Virginia Beach (VA) Police Department Aviation Unit is hosting APSA's Northeast Region Safety Seminar on May 17-19, 2011. APSA will offer topical educational sessions including Airborne Threats from Lasers, Spotlights & Gunfire; Successful Prosecution of Laser Assaults; Occupational Hearing Loss; Aircrew Decision Making; Operational Risk Management; Obstacle Collision Avoidance Systems; and more. There will also be a Unit Commander's Forum and Roundtable Discussion, in addition to an optional Water Survival Training course.
