ALEA’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.

Airborne Police Community Pays Tribute to Officers

Deputy "Rocky" Laws

San Diego County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit, ASTREA, lost a valuable member of their team last month. Deputy Bolitha "Rocky" Laws, 61, passed away suddenly from apparent heart failure while on a bike ride near his home. He had been on injury leave, pending retirement.

Rocky was an experienced fire/rescue pilot of the ASTREA unit for the last 21 years, having served the department for 27 years. Rocky was the aviation unit’s flight safety officer and an active member of ALEA. Please keep Rocky’s family and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers.

Officer Craig Allen Heber

Craig Allen Heber, 48, a member of the Orange County (FL) Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, passed away last month. Having been hired by the department in 1988, Craig was continually looking for ways to learn and improve himself, cross-training as a TFO in the Aviation Unit. He was assigned to the unit in 2000. He was an accomplished pilot in fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and known for his willingness to do whatever it took to get the job done.

His love of flying was surpassed only by his love and dedication to his wife and children. The many friends and coworkers he touched during his dedicated service to the citizens and agency he so proudly served will miss him. His personnel file is filled with many, many letters of appreciation from citizens he assisted and recognition of his outstanding level of professionalism as a law enforcement officer.

Special Operations Commander Michael J. Nolan

The Clark County (WA) Sheriff's Office sadly let ALEA know of the passing of Special Operations Commander Michael J. Nolan, 49. He passed away on June 30, 2010, of medical complications related to his recent diagnosis of a very aggressive brain cancer.

Mike Nolan was a city councilman, Sheriff’s Office commander, husband and father of four. He had been with the department for 26 years. He was involved in many community programs and supported the goals of law enforcement through many of his volunteer efforts. He will be sorely missed. A memorial service took place on July 30, 2010, in Vancouver, WA.

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South African Helicopter Crash Kills Seven Police Officers

A South African Police Service (SAPS) helicopter crashed and burned beyond recognition last month. The pilot, crewmember and five policemen from the National Intervention Unit were responding to a bakery robbery and suspected hostage taking when the chopper crashed in heavy mist.

"There was a thick mist in the area at the time of the crash, but we don't want to say that is the reason it crashed until we finish our investigation," a police spokesperson said. Seven people were arrested over the break-in, but police discovered that no hostage had actually been taken.

National Police Chief Bheki Cele said that he and the department were in shock. “It is a really black Friday for us," Cele said. "It's a very devastating and painful situation. I personally know them all of the officers, too." More than 1,000 mourners attended the memorial service on July 29.

Source: AFP

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Shared Knowledge: ALEA Hosted 40th Annual Conference

Over 1,300 attendees for ALEA’s 40th Annual Conference & Exposition left Tucson, AZ, with a little more information in their professional toolkit. They were able to learn more about aircraft safety practices and operations and get a first-hand look at the latest in airborne policing technology.

Prior to the conference’s official start, ALEA offered eight pre-conference courses with 150 in attendance. During the main conference, a total of 37 classes and workshops were presented on a variety of topics, in addition to 18 vendor-presented technical briefings. (Read more and see pictures in the September-October issue of Air Beat magazine.)

ALEA extends a special thank you to the conference co-hosts, the Tucson Police Department Air Support Unit and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine, Tucson Air Branch. The conference was made even better by their pre-planning, staffing and hospitality.

Make plans now for future ALEA conferences: New Orleans, LA (July 20-23, 2011); Reno, NV (July 18-21, 2012); and Orlando, FL (July 17-20, 2013).

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Air Support Team Effort Results in Rescue of Parachutist

When Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) pilot David Calianno learned last month that there was a missing parachutist from the local airport, he and fellow pilot John McDonald responded. “The parachutist had fallen in water and mud up to his waist and was surrounded by dense foliage and fallen trees,” McDonald explained. Helicopters from the Leon County (FL) Sheriff’s Office and Air Methods Air Ambulance had located the victim, but were unable to reach him due to the terrain. FWC K-9 Officer Ros Welborn and his partner, Harley, were called to assist, but were unable to move through the water to the parachutist.

Calianno and McDonald, along with FWC pilot Garret Fields, were able to navigate the UH1H Huey helicopter close enough to see the man. “We brought the helicopter down between the trees and hovered near the water,” McDonald said. “Fields was able to reach out to the victim and pull him onboard the helicopter.” The pilots transported the man back to the airport, where paramedics confirmed he had no serious injuries.

The Huey is part of FWC’s statewide Aviation Unit, made up of eight helicopters and seven fixed-wing aircraft. The unit is not only valuable in enforcing boating, fish and wildlife laws, but it also partners with state, federal and local law enforcement entities to support public safety.

Source: FWC 

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Indiana Agency Gets Back In Air

The Indianapolis (IN) Metropolitan Police Department's Aviation Unit will get back into the air by slimming down to one Bell Jet Ranger helicopter and selling three spare aircraft (one MD-600 and two Hughes helicopters), Public Safety Director Frank Straub explained last month. The aviation unit was grounded earlier this year when cash-strapped city leaders decided to spend money on other priorities within the police department budget.

Flights will resume when the three spare aircraft are sold, Straub said. "There's clearly the crime control and prevention value of having an airborne patrol," he said. Police helicopters give officers an edge in tracking suspects, following cars during a chase or searching for missing children or adults.

Straub wouldn't speculate on how much will be raised through the sale of the helicopters, but he expects it to generate enough cash to keep the single helicopter flying for two or three years. "Based on the fact that this is a vibrant city that's operating 24/7," Straub said, "having the air support is something that's necessary." Although the leaner aviation unit might not be ideal, he is glad the department is not scrapping the program altogether. "If the economy turns around and things get better in a few years, they can build upon a program instead of starting one from scratch."

Source: www.indystar.com

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Man Indicted In Shooting At Police Chopper

A 26-year-old convicted felon has been indicted on accusations that he shot at an Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office helicopter in March after the crew had received a callout of shots being fired at the man’s home.

The man is charged with the attempted destruction of an aircraft, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. He has two prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison.

Source: www.news4jax.com 

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Sheriff's Helicopter Dumps Fuel Before Emergency Landing

A maintenance check flight last month ended up in near disaster for crewmembers of Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff’s Department Air-5 Sikorsky aircraft. When testing the helicopter over the Pacific Ocean, one of the two engines failed, prompting pilots to head back to Long Beach airport. But after detecting a significant loss of engine oil, preparations for an emergency landing were made.

In order to safely land, pilots had to dump fuel to lighten the aircraft. The aircraft landed safety at a nearby high school with no injuries.

Source: http://laist.com

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Las Vegas Beefs Up Fleet

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) took delivery of a new MD 530F helicopter recently, expanding their current operating fleet to four MD 530F models and one MD 500D. Equipped with the 650-hp Rolls-Royce 250-C30 engine and longer main rotor blades, the MD 530F is the company’s finest high-altitude, hot-day performer. When compared to the MD 500E, the 530F’s tailboom is extended eight inches, and the tail rotor blades are also extended to provide increased thrust and directional control at high altitudes.

The LVMPD Air Support Unit began operation in 1969 with a Hughes 300B. Since 1973, the unit has flown approximately 142,000 hours. The Air Support Unit consists of 22 helicopter pilots, two tactical flight officers and four aircraft mechanics. All pilots are dual rated as both helicopter and airplane pilots; together they have over 413 years of police experience and more than 73,000 flight hours. All pilots and tactical flight officers are police officers and must have been with LVMPD for five years before being eligible to join the Air Support Unit.
The Air Support Unit recently moved into a new state-of-the-art hangar at the North Las Vegas Airport.

Source: MD Helicopters

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West Midlands Police Receive New Aircraft

A brand new EC135 P2i was handed over to West Midlands Police last month. Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK Ltd., stated, “I am very proud that West Midlands Police has again opted for the EC135, having had its former helicopter destroyed by arson last year. We had been able to deliver a police-configured interim EC135 right after the incident to keep the unit flying and are pleased to hand over the new one today, less than one year after the order was signed.”

In 2010, Eurocopter UK is delivering a total of six police helicopters to police services in the British Isles. In order to optimize its service to the UK police forces, Eurocopter UK has introduced a new maintenance concept, separating the high-time, high-utilization, high-tech police helicopters from the VIP/corporate maintenance section in the company.

Source: Eurocopter UK

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Bell Helicopter Pledges $25,000 for Fallen Officer Fund

Bell Helicopter made a $25,000 donation last month that will help support the families of police officers killed in the line of duty. “At Bell Helicopter, we remain committed to the law enforcement market. The Fallen Officer Fund provides us with a conduit to give back to the many men and women in uniform serving in our nation’s state and local law enforcement agencies,” said Larry D. Roberts, Senior Vice President, Commercial Business.

“As an industry-leading producer of civil aircraft, we specifically recognize the contributions made by all airborne law enforcement first responders to the security of America,” said Roberts. “We are honored to play a small role in helping them accomplish their noble mission and I would like to thank these men and women for their service on behalf of myself and all the employees at Bell Helicopter.”

Source: Bell Helicopter

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Korean Police Agency Takes Delivery Of An AW119Ke

The Korea National Police Agency (KNPA) has recently taken delivery of an AW119Ke single engine helicopter. The aircraft will perform law enforcement duties. This is the first AW119Ke to be purchased and introduced into service by the Korean government and the third law enforcement helicopter sold into the Korean market.

The AW119Ke is a spacious eight-seat, single-engine helicopter developed to provide high productivity and performance. The large unobstructed cabin permits rapid re-configuration for a variety of missions.

Source: AgustaWestland

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Regional Aviation Assets Agreed To By Commissioners

Yamhill County (OR) Sheriff Jack Crabtree had been in talks with neighboring Clackamas County Police Department for the last several months about transferring its air support program. Clackamas County agreed to maintain and pay for the two helicopters and their parts. Yamhill County officials then met and agreed the aviation program made more sense as a regional asset, even though it has been proven useful locally. The two sheriffs hope to expand the regional program to include other local counties.

According the memo of intent, Yamhill County will receive 40 hours annually of free flying time with the helicopter. It also would have access to Clackamas County’s fixed-wing airplane. The county valued the two helicopters at about $650,000, and the entire program, including parts and accessories, to be worth about $1.5 million. But it will nominally sell the program for $1.

Source: www.newsregister.com

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Western Region Members: Safety Seminar Education Headed Your Way!

ALEA’s Western Region Safety Seminar will take place September 8-10, 2010, in San Jose, CA. Among the educational offerings scheduled are classes on wire strike prevention, developing an NVG program, mountain flying operations, instructor cockpit management, fixed-wing patrol and surveillance techniques, staying healthy, aviation leadership, and more. Presented by Survival Systems USA, ALEA is offering an optional Water Survival Course on Wednesday, September 8, from 0930 to 1600.

Santa Clara County (CA) Sheriff’s Department Air Support Unit will host the safety seminar. A special hotel rate is available for attendees at the Wyndham San Jose (call 800-996-3426 for reservations). To register for the seminar, visit http://www.alea.org/events/detail.aspx?i=102&p=1&d=09/08/2010.

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Get Your Organization's News Online

Send your press releases, company logos and photos to:

Lisa Wright
Editorial Director
airbeat@alea.org

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ALEA’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. Anyone may join our mailing list.

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Jennifer L. Thornton
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(719) 375-0236 office
(888) 541-1823 fax
jthornton@alea.org
www.alea.org

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This newsletter is published monthly by the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA), a public benefit, non-profit California corporation. The ALEA is comprised of air crew and air support personnel in law enforcement and others who support, promote, and advance the safe and effective use of aircraft by law enforcement agencies.

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