APSA E-Newsletter : 2019 August

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.

APSA Safety Seminars: Join Us in Las Vegas and Ottawa

Join us August 27-29 in Las Vegas at the Red Rock Casino & Resort as we kick off the second half of our 2019 training schedule. Hosted by the Las Vegas Metro Police Air Support Unit, our third safety seminar of the year focuses on tactics and physiology for safer operations along with aircrew, safety officer and unit manager/supervisor roundtables. You can register today and find more information here. 

The following week, September 3-5, we conduct our fourth safety seminar of 2019 in Canada’s beautiful capital city of Ottawa. Join us at the Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown as public safety aviators from across Canada gather to learn and share. Discounted room rates are available with code ALEGENR if booked by Aug. 22. You can register and find more details here. 

Registration to APSA Safety Seminars is included in your annual membership dues for all active APSA members (a fee applies for non-members) and, in addition to the classes, have an exhibit area where you can visit with suppliers and explore the latest public safety aviation products and services.

APSA’s 3rd Annual Public Safety Drone Expo Headed to Columbus

Whether you're looking for comprehensive information on unmanned aircraft systems for public safety or an opportunity to network with unmanned industry professionals, look no further than Public Safety Drone Expo (PSDE) 2019, taking place in Columbus, OH, October 7-10, at the Hyatt Regency Columbus Hotel.

APSA is providing the only dedicated expo for public safety drone operators covering operations, management, safety and the FAA PART 107 remote pilot-in-command education. Public Safety Drone Expo 2019 will offer a combination of interactive public safety specific UAS courses, classes and general sessions that will focus on law enforcement, fire and SAR applications. Attendees will learn from top experts and public safety operators offering their insights into best practices, fundamentals and integration. The Expo Hall will be teaming with industry service providers, manufacturers, advocates and thought leaders who bring together cutting-edge technology and applications.

Detailed information on the courses and classes, lodging, exhibiting, sponsorship opportunities, etc. can be found here.

APSF Awards Recognize Extraordinary Work of Public Safety Aviators

Each year during APSCON, the Airborne Public Safety Foundation (APSF) honors those who have gone above and beyond and made a significant impact in public safety aviation. APSF presented seven awards in Omaha, NE last month to recognize deserving individuals for outstanding acts of valor or meritorious service. The 2019 honorees are:

• Robert L. Cormier Award: Tod Yates, Master Sergeant, Oklahoma City (OK) Police Department Air Support Unit (Ret.)
• Captain “Gus” Crawford Memorial Aircrew of the Year Award: William Liniewicz and Michael Davis, San Diego County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aerial Support Detail
• Technical Specialist Award: Edward Orzechowski, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit
• Safety Award: Bryn Elliott, Police Aviation Research
• Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) Award: Kristopher Kubasta, San Jose (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit
• Fixed-Wing Operator Award: Christina Holovach, Saskatoon (SK) Police Service Air Support Unit
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Award: Stephen Clarke, Peel (ON) Regional Police

See the September/October issue of Air Beat for a complete recap of the conference, award winners, and scholarship recipients.

Public Safety Aviation Unit Achievements Recognized Through Accreditation

The Airborne Public Safety Accreditation Commission (APSAC) is an entity that provides, develops, and maintains standards of accreditation for operations performed by public safety aviation units. The accreditation process is voluntary and promotes safe, efficient and accident-free aviation operations in support of public safety missions. The accreditation program is designed to objectively evaluate and certify an aviation unit’s overall compliance with the standards as developed by APSAC and adopted by APSA as best practice standards. The process involves a written application, self-assessment, on-site assessment, and commission review.

During the APSF awards ceremony at APSCON 2019, the following agencies were recognized for their achievements of accreditation:

• Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
• Metropolitan Nashville (TN) Police Department
• Atlanta (GA) Police Department
• California Highway Patrol

To find out how your aviation unit can become accredited, please click here for more information.

Australian Police Department to Buy 50 UAS

Australia’s Victoria Police is set to acquire as many as 50 unmanned aircraft systems over the next year for a new drone unit. To be established within the Victoria Police Air Wing by the end of August, the state's first ever drone unit will manage the operation of remotely piloted aircraft across Victoria. Inspector Craig Shephard said the unit would boost the force's capability across the state, with the new drones to be used for a number of police operations. “The introduction of this unit is expected to enhance the work our police do every day, from attending crimes scenes, managing emergency situations, public order management, search and rescue and situational awareness,” he said. “The drones we plan to use will have 24/7 ability, with high-end technology allowing for both day and night camera vision.”

Victoria Police officials said they especially want to use UAS to find and track offenders, because they can eliminate dangerous vehicle pursuits and costly helicopter operations. The drone unit, which will be supported by five extra positions in the aviation division, will provide training to up to 70 operators across the state.

SOURCE: www.itnews.com.au 

Pennsylvania State Police Contracts for New Fixed-Wing

Pennsylvania State Police contracted with CNC Technologies on July 18 to acquire, commission and support a new Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft. CNC Technologies, an aviation technology and wireless communications company serving the law enforcement, military and government markets, won the bid process with a solution allowing the agency to trade in its previous aircraft through its CNC Aviation division. As part of the agreement, CNC will also deploy comprehensive airborne law enforcement capabilities for the agency, enabling real-time streaming of HD video and data between aircrews and ground commanders across the state. The services will include developing integrated aerial mission suites for the new Cessna EX and the agency’s existing fleet of Bell 407 helicopters. In addition to the aerial assets, CNC is working with the State of Pennsylvania and regional agencies to deploy, manage and support ground-based receive sites and command centers. CNC will also provide ongoing 24/7 service, support and training.

“CNC is committed to providing law enforcement and government agencies with comprehensive solutions for managing all aspects of their airborne operations from technology to training to 24/7 support,” said Ron Magocsi, founding partner and chief technology officer at CNC Technologies. “We are pleased to have been selected by the Pennsylvania State Police for this assignment and look forward to supporting the agency in its public safety mission.”

Source: CNC Technologies

South Carolina Police Helicopter Crashes

A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) police helicopter crashed in late June, injuring the pilot, the only person aboard. The chopper went down at the Summerville Airport about 30 miles from Charleston, according to a SLED news release. The pilot was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, SLED said.

The SLED flight was intended to aid Dorchester County authorities. A Dorchester County spokesperson said the helicopter was being used to conduct drug sweeps, and the pilot was attempting to refuel when the crash occurred. The helicopter was identified as an MD 500. The Federal Aviation Administration will lead the investigation into what caused the crash, which is the first for a SLED helicopter in the law enforcement agency’s history.

SOURCE: www.thestate.com

Texas Man Sentenced 4 Years for Shining Laser at DPS Helicopter

A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 48 months in prison for aiming a green laser last year at a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter as it flew over northwest Houston, according to federal officials. The man was caught shining the laser pointer at the Airbus AS350 aircraft as it flew about 1,000 feet above him during a patrol flight. The light illuminated the cockpit and forced the pilot to veer away from it because of the glare, officials said.

Houston police officers helped pin down the origin of the laser to a parking lot. An officer saw the laser pointer in the man’s car but was told that someone else was playing with it and had since left, documents stated. Surveillance footage showed the man wielding the pointer. The suspect was out on bond when he was convicted in April. He was returned to custody in June for an unspecified violation of the terms of his release. He will undergo three years of supervised release after he completes his stint in prison.

Source: www.chron.com 

Input Wanted for Air Beat’s ‘Women in Public Safety Aviation’ Issue

APSA is dedicating an issue of Air Beat Magazine to highlight the contributions of women in public safety aviation. We need your help to spotlight female unit commanders, aircrew members, UAS operators, maintenance technicians and marketing specialists.

If you would like to recognize a female peer in your aviation unit, please contact Lisa at airbeat@publicsafetyaviation.org. The deadline is Sept. 20; we’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for helping us to salute the achievements of women in public safety aviation. Call Lisa at 727-343-5600 with any questions or for more information.

Houston Takes Top Prize at FLIR Vision Awards

The Houston (TX) Police Department was awarded first place in the 2019 FLIR Vision Awards, announced at APSCON 2019 in mid-July. Houston Police Pilot Frank Gans and TFO Christopher Thompson were specifically honored for the award. The six FLIR Vision Awards are presented to members of the airborne law enforcement community who have best demonstrated use of thermal imaging systems in carrying out their missions, whether pursuing suspects, making search and rescue efforts, or saving lives.

Other winners included Pilot Mike Kane and TFO Christopher Elrod of the Prince George’s County Police Department (Vision Award 2nd Place), Pilot Rick Hofmann and TFO Byron Trappman of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (Vision Award 3rd Place), Pilot Don Zinz and TFO Cole Martin of Michigan State Police Aviation (Life Saver Award), Pilot David Cunha and TFO Rich Coningsby of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department (Pursuit Award), and Pilot Michael Richert, TFO Nilo McCrea, K-9 Handler Jered Metzger and K-9 Khan of the Tulsa Police Air Support Unit (FANG Award).

SOURCE: www.kmph.com 

Tulsa Police to Receive Newly Completed H125

The Tulsa (OK) Police Department Air Support Unit expects to take delivery of a new Airbus H125 in August. Metro Aviation is currently completing the single-engine helicopter. “The completion process has gone very smooth, with no issues,” Tulsa Police Department Sergeant Nick Cory said. In addition to the basic aircraft features, Metro is equipping the helicopter with a Garmin GTX 345R transponder and Technisonic TDFM-9000 radio, Thommen searchlight, L3 MX-10 camera and Churchill Navigation augmented reality mapping system, allowing officers to view streets, businesses and other geographical elements on live video. The aircraft will also include a Tyler special ops platform and fast rope rappel system, the first installation of its kind for Tulsa’s fleet.

Source: Metro Aviation

Canada’s Windsor Police to Launch UAS Unit

The Windsor Police Service in Canada recently announced plans to launch an unmanned aircraft systems unit this fall. The department has acquired a drone and conducted flight training for a six-person UAS team. The unit is intended to provide support to other department services, and the drone will be used in “locations that citizens would not have an expectation of privacy, such as public areas.” The UAS will likely be used at crime scenes and firearms/weapons calls, as well as for traffic reconstruction, the search and rescue of missing and wanted persons, and natural or manmade disasters or accidents, according to Staff Sergeant Sue Garrett.

The Windsor Police Service acquired a UAS from Aeryon Labs on Jan. 19 and conducted Aeryon-guided training in April. Aeryon also provided Windsor police with a technical support specialist in unmanned systems and integrated solutions for training.

SOURCE: www.cbc.ca 

Houston Police Officers Avoid Injury in Hard Landing

Two Houston (TX) Police Department officers operating a patrol helicopter were not significantly injured after making a hard landing at William P. Hobby Airport in early July. The pilot and trainee were returning from a patrol flight when their MD 500 wound up on its side, according to Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite. Both officers were “shaken up” but okay, Satterwhite said. They were taken to area hospitals as a precaution.

The helicopter involved in the incident is one of nine operated by the Houston Police Department Air Support Division to assist officers on the ground during pursuits, manhunts, searches and other patrol duties. The division also has training helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. An officer who apparently had pulled himself from the MD 500 wreckage was heard on police radio asking for an ambulance moments after the helicopter went down.

SOURCE: www.houstonchronicle.com 

APSA Online Meetings: August & September Schedule

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers and maintenance technicians as well as UAS and SAR operators via a conference call you can join using your computer, device or phone. Online 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 safety@publicsafetyaviation.org.

Online meetings this summer include one for UAS operators on Wednesday, August 14, from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC); SAR operators on Wednesday, August 21, from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC); maintenance technicians on Thursday, August 22 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC), and safety officers on Friday, Sept. 20 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC).

California Agency Grows UAS Division

The Calaveras County (CA) Sheriff’s Office recently announced it plans to expand its unmanned aircraft fleet this fiscal year. Granted a $17,000 budget for UAS, the department is considering a Matrice 600 Pro, a 34-pound hexacopter that would be fitted with heat-detecting technology, night vision and audio- and video-recording capabilities, among other features. The addition would be a major upgrade from the department’s two other UAS currently used for search and rescue missions. “It’s time that we get up with the latest technology, and I’m grateful the board has given us the opportunity to do that,” Calaveras County Sheriff Rick DiBasilio said. DiBasilio cited multiple recent situations in which the department could have used an advanced UAS to access narrow spaces or unsafe areas without risking a life.

Drone use has become increasingly common in California over recent years, and for some jurisdictions, they’re changing the way everyday operations are conducted. In San Diego County, the Chula Vista Police Department’s Drone as First Responders program has attracted national attention; it is the only police department in the country approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to use drones beyond-line-of-sight as first responders to emergency calls.

SOURCE: www.calaverasenterprise.com 

Omaha Police Moves Aviation Division Headquarters

The Omaha (NE) Police Department (OPD) and representatives from the Cities of Omaha and Blair held a ribbon cutting in mid-July to celebrate OPD moving its aviation division headquarters and fleet to Blair Municipal Airport. “We look forward to the next 10 years and beyond in this partnership,” OPD Deputy Chief Kerry Neumann said during the ceremony.

The Omaha City Council approved the OPD Air Support Unit’s move in November, and $1.26 million in hangar renovations began in January. The work, which included a 77,000-gallon tank for a fire suppression system, was completed in June. The air support unit moved in soon after.

Neumann said the Blair airport was the ideal location for the unit due to its stability and proximity to Omaha. “The Blair Airport is not going to go anywhere, and that was one of the key things for us was to be able to have stability for our unit,” he said. “It's a perfect fit for us…we were working out of a hangar that was 22-plus years old. It needed some upgrades and repairs, and this was available for us.” Officer and Pilot Jason Messerschmidt said the new facility would allow the Air Support Unit to grow.

SOURCE: www.enterprisepub.com 

New Zealand Man Sentenced for Targeting Police Chopper With Laser

A 22-year-old man recently was sentenced to six month's community detention, 200 hours service and 12 months supervision after pleading guilty to endangering public transport when he shined a laser at a New Zealand Police helicopter. An Eagle helicopter crewmember said such a laser attack could cause a "fatal" catastrophe. “When we get lased, the cockpit fully lights up green,” the crewmember said. “The effects of what it could do to the pilot and crew could be catastrophic, and it could be fatal for us.”

The 22-year-old man was convicted of pointing a laser into the Eagle cockpit last year. It was one of dozens of laser attacks on aircraft nationwide. Senior New Zealand Police Sergeant Alan Rowland said the sentencing “sent a message” that laser misuse was unacceptable and endangered lives. “Our pilots and helicopter crews go to work every day to protect our communities and keep them safe,” said Rowland, who directs the police air support unit.

SOURCE: www.stuff.co.nz 

Drone Team Launched at Pueblo County Sheriff's Office

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office now has eyes in the sky for public safety purposes as it has launched a drone program following two years of securing funding for the aircraft. The Sheriff’s Office Aerial Response and Rescue (SOARR) team officially launched on May 31 and have already conducted 11 missions with the drones. The drones will be deployed for life-saving missions and crime scene documentation, said Capt. Steve Bryant, who is the leader of the SOARR team. There are 13 members on the SOARR team.

Six rotary unmanned aerial vehicles and two fixed-wing aircraft were purchased by the Sheriff’s Office with a $30,000 Department of Homeland Security grant that took about two years to obtain. Two of the UAVs are equipped with cameras that allow for thermal imaging and infrared detection. Two other aircraft are equipped with a zoom camera, which is beneficial in missing people searches, said Gayle Perez, the public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office. And two other drones have a 20- megapixel camera, which is useful in evidence documentation.

The DHS grant was awarded to Pueblo County as part of the southern region, which consists of five counties including Fremont, Huerfano, Custer and Las Animas. The equipment purchased with the grant is considered a regional asset, allowing for the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office SOARR team to be deployed anywhere in the region.

Source: www.chieftain.com 

Indiana State Police Aviation Visits Special Needs Camp

The Indiana State Police Aviation Section visited the department’s annual Camp Cadet and Sunny Day Camp summer programs in mid-July. Camp Cadet offers children a chance to meet and interact with law enforcement, and a trooper in the Lancaster area decided the opportunity should also extend to children and adults with special needs or disabilities several years ago, leading to the creation of Sunny Day Camp. “They can talk with personnel, develop a relationship with troopers in a relaxed atmosphere and have some exciting and fun things to see,” said Trooper Cliff Greenfield, who participates in the programs. “It’s all about building relationships with our community and showing people that we’re reaching out and trying to build that trust.” In addition to the Indiana State Police Aviation Section, participants were able to interact with troopers and meet members of the K-9, bomb squad, patrol and other units.

SOURCE: www.triblive.com 

Alabama Department Launches UAS Program

The Mountain Brook (AL) Police Department recently launched an unmanned aircraft program after purchasing four Yuneec H520s. The department demonstrated the unit’s capabilities for media in late July. Mountain Brook Police Chief Ted Cook said the unit was launched because Mountain Brook could not afford a helicopter. Cook said the department plans to deploy its four UAS for a variety of tasks, including conducting search and rescue missions, patrolling city events, taking aerial photos of crash scenes and performing reconnaissance in hazardous situations.

The UAS cost the department around $12,000. Cook said he spent about two years researching and building the program. His main goal was to ensure the department complied with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, which was a challenge due to the department’s proximity to FAA-controlled airspace over the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Cook said the department would aim to have seven police officers certified as drone pilots. As of June, six had earned their certification.

SOURCE: www.villagelivingonline.com 

Night Vision Service Awards Winners Honored at APSCON 2019

The 2019 recipients of the Night Vision Service Awards were recognized at APSCON last month.

The 20-Year Service Award was given to the Santa Barbara County (CA) Air Support Unit. Lieutenant Brian Olmstead said, “The Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit is honored to be recognized for the last 20 years of using night vision goggles to aid in our air support operations. We are very confident that over this time, numerous lives have been saved, and our aircrews have come back safely due to the technology of night vision goggles. It has been a game-changer in both the law enforcement, rescue, and firefighting world.”

The 15-Year Service award was given to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Support Unit. Senior Pilot Tom Short said, “The unit has flown thousands of accident/incident free hours using NVGs since that time and continues in the present day to serve in a distinguished and safe manner at all hours of the day and night throughout its operational area. The mission of the Los Angeles County Fire Department is to protect lives, the environment, and property by providing prompt, skillful, and cost-effective fire protection and life safety services. The Air Operations Section strives to live up to that expectation of service every single day.”

The 10-Year Service Award is awarded to a unit/company that has successfully flown with Night Vision Goggles for ten years. The recipients for this award included Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit. Undersheriff of Spokane County, Dave Ellis, said, “The Spokane Regional Air Support Unit (SRASU) is honored to be awarded the 10-Year Service Award; we have a firm commitment to safety, and the use of NVGs has been instrumental in keeping our flight crews safe. The use of NVGs, along with accreditation through the Airborne Public Safety Accreditation Commission, has allowed the SRASU to have a perfect safety record through its 15 years of existence. In addition to enhancing the safety of our crews, night NVGs have also enhanced our operational effectiveness when conducting search and rescue and also law enforcement missions. Numerous rescues were conducted as a direct result of the effective use of NVGs.”

Pictured (L to R) are Tom Roberts, Mike Reyno, Adam Aldous, David Luke, Vikki Rosplosh, Lyn Burks, Twain Josephson, Jake Hart, Eldlin Elvira, Mark Onorato, Corporal Jeff Welton, Deputy Krystal Bitzer, Spokane Undersheriff Dave Ellis and Lieutenant Steve Jones. Sponsors of the event included Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), Night Flight Concepts (NFC), Vertical Magazine and Rotorcraft Pro Magazine.

Source: Branding Iron

LAPD Looks to Make UAS Program Permanent

The Los Angeles (CA) Police Department has completed a yearlong pilot program testing unmanned aircraft systems, and officials hope to add the devices to their toolkit for good. LAPD wants the UAS to be part of their regular SWAT team deployments for incidents like standoffs with armed suspects and hostage situations. The unmanned aircraft offer police a way to see into hard-to-reach places and keep their distance from dangerous suspects.

Chief Michel Moore called UAS “a valuable de-escalation tool” that police can use to “resolve incidents and reduce the likelihood of the use of force.” He said LAPD commanders approved drones for use in six situations between January and June 2018; they were deployed in only four incidents. Horace Frank, LAPD’s deputy chief of counter-terrorism and special operations, has the final say on whether a drone can be deployed. “The program is exactly what we thought it would be,” Frank said. “This cuts down the amount of time we have to shut down a neighborhood—that’s a huge benefit to a community.”

LAPD’s initial attempt to employ UAS in 2014 was scuttled after significant pushback from community activists and the police commission. By 2017, LAPD again sought to use drones, with the police commission allowing them only in the most dangerous situations. In addition to SWAT, Moore is now asking the commission to allow LAPD’s bomb squad and hazardous materials teams to operate UAS.

SOURCE: www.dailynews.com 

U.K. Department Expands UAS Unit With Tax Funds

The U.K.’s Derbyshire Constabulary recently announced plans to expand its unmanned aircraft unit. With help from new tax revenues, the department plans to provide round-the-clock UAS cover across the county. Since it was established last year, the drone unit’s imaging and thermal equipment has been deployed for a wide variety of incidents. Officers have used the aircraft to search remote locations for missing people, provide aerial views of warrant enforcements, crime scenes and ongoing incidents, monitor crowds at soccer games, and direct firefighters tackling wildfires. Chief Constable Peter Goodman said he has always wanted the force have 24/7 drone capability, which has been made possible by an increase in local taxes. Since its inception, the unit has expanded from five to 28 pilots. The force now has 16 drones.

SOURCE: www.ilkestonadvertiser.co.uk 

APSA's Remote Pilot-In-Command (RPIC) Course Coming to Missouri and North Florida

Taught by subject matter expert Al Frazier, APSA's RPIC 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 2017.

APSA's course includes eighteen (18) hours of classroom training for your UAS staff. This course is designed to provide the student with a review of the Federal Aviation Regulations PART 107 Remote Pilot Certification Process. The course is a must-have for agencies to train their personnel on how to operate sUAS, to obtain pilot certification and to successfully take the FAA Pilot’s Exam for this rating. In addition, three briefings specific to law enforcement use of sUAS will be conducted, including: 1) Introduction to law enforcement use of sUAS, 2) Obtaining certificates of authorization and Part 107 waivers, and 3) Aerial search and seizure.

The Wentzville (MO) Police Department serves as host for this course, October 28-29, at Propper International in St. Charles, MO.  The registration deadline is October 7.  Find complete course information and register here.

The Florida event will take place November 4-5, at the Criminal Justice Training Center, Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, FL.  The registration deadline for this course is October 14. Click here to register or find complete course information. 

You can also contact APSA Headquarters at 301-631-2406 to register for these or any of our events. 

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during July 2019:

Corporate Members:

Aeroweld, Inc.
IAR Technical Services

Individual Members:

Lauren Abernathy, San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff's Department: Aviation Unit
Jessica Aguilera, San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff's Department: Aviation Unit
Michael Allen, Collier County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Bureau
Jeff Ball, Peel Regional Police
Judd Bickel, Arizona Game and Fish Department
Christopher Brewer, Burbank/Glendale (CA) Police Air Support Unit
Jason Bulman, Fort Bend County (TX) Sheriff's Office
Chuck Burkhead, Combham Aerospace Communications
Jason Busby, Tulsa (OK) Police Department Aviation Unit
Scott Buster, Tucson (AZ) Police Department Air Support Unit
Samantha Butero, Bassco Services
Nelson Canales, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Aviation Unit
Jose Carrillo, Collier County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Bureau
Michael Chevalier, Riverside County CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
George Corcoran, DHS, CBP,Air and Marine Operations
Jeff Davis, Peel Regional Police
Dale Dear, Collier County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Bureau
Kevin Deramus, Washington County (TX) EMS
Brett Freeman, Brevard County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Marc Geiger, Henderson (NV) Police Department
Rebecca Groendyk, Collier County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Scott Hamilton, Wicomico County (MD) Sheriff's Office
John Haverly, Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue
Paul Micah Johnson, FBI Academy
Michael Koosman, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Aviation Unit
Chris Lieberman, Westchester County (NY) Police Department Special Operations Division Aviation Unit
Matt Macera, Collier County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Bureau
David Marrama, Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue
Cody McKaig, Kansas Highway Patrol Air Support Unit
Susan Minne, Cedar Park (TX) Emergency Management
David Negron, San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff's Department: Aviation Unit
Robert O'Brine, San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff's Department: Aviation Unit
Mark Onorato, Boston MedFlight
Dane Pallett, Peel Regional Police
Darcy Pedersen, Peel Regional Police
John Rodriguez, Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue
Douglas Spotted Eagle, Sundance Media Group, LLC
Andy Watson, Nova Systems Europe
Kevin Wedick, Can-West Fire Investigations
John Westerfield, Morgan County (AL) Sheriff's Office
James Wilbanks, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Michael Wilson, FBI Academy
Joshua Wofford, Burbank/Glendale (CA) Police Air Support Unit
David Young, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Aviation Unit