ALEA Monthly E-Newsletter

The Texas Department of Public Safety’s first pilot, retired Texas Ranger Max Westerman, Jr. passed away on March 9, 2006. His funeral was held at the Cook Walden Cemetery, located across the street from DPS Headquarters in Austin, Texas, on March 13, 2006. [details]

Toledo PD Adds Flight Management Systems Map

Toledo Police Department The Toledo Police Department recently completed its R-44 overhaul and upgrade of their capabilities with the integration of the Flight Management Systems Moving Map System. [details]

Survival Systems Builds New Survival Simulator

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Jim Di Giovanna Retires after 34 Years with LASD, 17 at Aero Bureau

Captain Jim Di Giovanna Captain Jim Di Giovanna retired as commander of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau on March 30, 2006, having been assigned to the aviation unit since January 1989. His 34-year law enforcement career also included assignments as a patrol deputy, patrol and operations sergeant and patrol lieutenant watch commander, along with assignments at the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, Field Operations Headquarters and Custody Division.

Captain Di Giovanna is a commercial pilot, helicopter- and instrument-rated, with over 5,800 flight hours. As unit commander of the Aero Bureau, he was responsible for managing aviation operations for the largest sheriff's department in the United States. While supervising 72 sworn and civilian sheriff's department personnel, Captain Di Giovanna had responsibility for directing and overseeing the operation and maintenance of the department's 15 rotary-wing and three fixed-wing aircraft.

During his tenure at the Aero Bureau, Jim was responsible for completing two extensive aircraft replacement/modernization projects, each time upgrading the entire fleet of sheriff’s department patrol helicopters with modern aircraft and related advanced technology. He also is credited with developing and implementing the Airborne Microwave Video Downlink program for Los Angeles County Sheriff and Fire Departments. Other achievements include being principally responsible for the sheriff’s department’s acquisition of six former U.S. Navy SH-3H Sea King helicopters and successfully integrating these aircraft into the fleet, replacing the aging S-58T rescue helicopters.

Captain Di Giovanna also served in the military, retiring in 2001 as a Colonel and Master Army Aviator from the California Army National Guard and United States Army Reserves after 35 years of service. His many military assignments included Director of Army Aviation and Safety for the State of California and Commander, Aviation Brigade, 40th Infantry Division. He is a graduate of the Army Aviation Accident Prevention and Safety Course and the University of Southern California School of Aviation Safety and Systems Management.

In 2004, Captain Di Giovanna was honored to receive the MD Law Enforcement Award, presented by the Helicopter Association International for outstanding achievement in Aviation Law Enforcement. In 2000, he and the Aero Bureau were awarded the County of Los Angeles Quality and Productivity Commission’s “Mega-Million Dollar Savings” Award in recognition of over $15 million in savings to the County of Los Angeles associated with the acquisition and refurbishment of the U.S. Navy Sea King helicopters. He is Past President of the California Professional Helicopter Pilots Association and served on a variety of national, state and local aviation committees.

Jim is also the Education Program Manager for the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, where he is responsible for coordinating the education and training for all ALEA conferences and safety seminars. Jim also has been invited to speak on the topic of Airborne Law Enforcement at several international Civil and Police Aviation Conferences in Europe, Asia and Canada. His plans include staying active in airborne law enforcement and continuing his association with the ALEA.

A luncheon was held in Captain Di Giovanna’s honor on April 5, 2006 at the sheriff’s department’s Aero Bureau hangar in Long Beach, CA. The event was attended by over 230 professional colleagues, local law enforcement and fire department aviation personnel and was officiated by Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Michael Hillmann. Sheriff Lee Baca presented Captain Di Giovanna his retirement badge and credentials, congratulating him on his 34+ years of public service and his outstanding contributions to airborne law enforcement.

ALEA President Dan Schwarzbach and Western Region Director Gregg Weitzman were on hand to present a Board Proclamation and plaque to Jim, recognizing his service to the industry and the Association.