ABOUT APSAC
Executive Summary
The AIRBORNE PUBLIC SAFETY ACCREDITATION COMMISSION (APSAC) is an entity within The Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) that provides, develops and maintains standards of accreditation for operations performed by public safety aviation units and offers auditing, consulting and accreditation services to public safety aviation operations in accordance with those standards.
The Commission authored professional standards for public safety aviation operations that are applicable to all airborne public safety units regardless of size or branch of government.
These standards are designed to provide units with a foundation of safe operating practices in the performance of their agency’s mission. The standards were formulated on what has been identified as the two highest priorities of an airborne public safety unit; “Safety First” in all aspects of the operation and providing effective aviation support services in the furtherance of the agency’s public safety mission.
APSAC’s commitment to these priorities forms the foundation of the standards and the ensuing Accreditation Program. Each standard is supported by and evaluated against measurable objectives. Recommendations and guidelines are also offered as further explanation of the standard’s intent.
The Standards encompass all aspects of airborne public safety and have been divided into five major areas of consideration: Administration, Flight Operations, Safety, Training and Maintenance. The subsections within each area are intended to encompass the primary aspects of public safety aviation unit operations for both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
The Commission’s Mission
As dedicated public safety aviation experts and professionals, our mission is to increase the safety and efficiency of all public safety aviation practices and participants. From law enforcement, fire and search and rescue units to individuals and outside agencies, we are dedicated to furthering our cause and the safety procedures many people depend upon.
Accreditation Services
By enhancing safety procedures and standards, APSAC helps bring flight units into full compliance with established industry standards. We are the premier public safety aviation compliance agency in the world and work with units throughout the US and Canada.
Standards & Benefits
The benefits of accreditation are nearly too numerous to list. From helping increase safety standards to cutting liability costs and increasing support from government agencies, meeting our aviation safety standards sets your agency apart from the rest.
The Commission’s Mission
As dedicated public safety aviation experts and professionals, our mission is to increase the safety and efficiency of all public safety aviation practices and participants. From law enforcement, fire, and search and rescue units to individuals and outside agencies, we are dedicated to furthering our cause and the safety procedures many people depend upon.
APSAC — Commissioners
APSAC Board of Commissioners
Dan Schwarzbach
[email protected]
Acting Chair (Law Enforcement); Executive Director/CEO, Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA); Senior Pilot, Houston (TX) Police Department | Air Support Division (Ret.)
Don Roby
[email protected]
Secretary; Commissioner (Law Enforcement) Captain, Baltimore County (MD) Police Department (Ret), Former APSA Training Program Manager
Anthony Demolina
[email protected]
Commissioner (UAS/Law Enforcement); Los Angeles (CA) Police Department, Air Support Division (Ret.)
Ethan Jensen
[email protected]
Commissioner (Fire & SAR); Senior Pilot, Fire Services, Los Angeles County Fire Department
Charles MacFarland
[email protected]
Commissioner (Fire & SAR); Chief of Air Operations, City of San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
Mike Rogers
[email protected]
Commissioner (UAS); FBI UAS Program Manager (Ret.)
Bryan Smith
[email protected]
Commissioner (Law Enforcement); Chief Pilot, Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff’s Office; Former APSA Safety Program Manager
Paul J. Marino Esq.
[email protected]
Legal Counsel; Chief Legal Counsel and Executive Staff Officer (Ret.), Hillsborough County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
APSAC — Commissioners
The Airborne Public Safety Accreditation Commission prides itself on selecting highly qualified and experienced individuals to become unit on-site assessors. Assessors are required to be experienced in public safety aviation while being committed to the principles and advancement of the public safety aviation industry. Assessors shall demonstrate the following characteristics/attributes during the entire assessment:
- High level of professionalism
- Confidentiality
- Objectivity
- High level of positive interpersonal communication skills
- Open, warm, and friendly manner
- Initiative
- Accountability
- Honesty and Integrity
Qualified individuals interested in becoming an assessor, please contact the Commission Chairperson.
APSAC Assessors
Donald Shinnamon
[email protected]
Lead Assessor—Chief, Port St. Lucie (FL) Police Department (Ret.)
Patrick Arata
[email protected]
Assessor—Police Chief, Pilot and Aviation Unit Manager, DEA (Ret.)
Elliot Mann
[email protected]
Assessor—Air Operations Section, City of San Diego (CA) Fire Department; Prior Law Enforcement Pilot
Brian Martin
[email protected]
Assessor—Pilot, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police (Ret.)
Bill Probets
[email protected]
Assessor—Chief Pilot, East Bay Regional Parks (CA) Police (Ret.)
Tim Starn
[email protected]
Assessor—Unit Commander, Costa Mesa (CA) Police Department (Ret.)
Ken Solosky
[email protected]
Assessor—Chief Pilot, New York (NY) Police Department (Ret.)