
In This Issue:
APSA’s Virtual UAS Courses Start Next Week – Register Today!
Take Part in APSA’s 2020 General Membership Meeting
Ready for Some Face-to-Face Training? Join APSA On-The-Road!
APSA Offers Final Remote Pilot-in-Command Course for 2020
Free Education Fridays: Live Webinar Series Continues
Tune In For Tech Talk Tuesdays
Man Arrested After Gunfire Hits Sheriff’s Helicopter
Canadian Man Facing Charges for Pointing Laser at Police Plane
Houston Police Pilot Honors Partner Killed in Crash
Kentucky Man Charged With Pointing Laser at Police Pilots
Helicopter Helps Halt Wildfire at California's Mount Baldy
U.K.’s NPAS Launches New Drone Pilot Program
Continue Networking in APSA’s Meeting Groups
SABLE Helicopter Helps Rescue Kayaker
Austin City Council Approves Grants for Aviation Unit
Prince George’s County Updates Helicopter’s Flight Display System
Malaysia Air Wing Training Base Now Functioning as Flight School
PolAir Helps Apprehend Suspect Who Shot at Police
Polish National Police Receive Mission-Equipped Aircraft
Suffolk County Aviation Helps Rescue Stranded Jet Skier
Nebraska State Aviation Helps Double Traffic Citations
Turkish Police Presented Outstanding Operational Readiness Award by Bell
Maryland State Helicopter Completes Hoist Rescue
New Zealand Police Helicopter Not Returning to Christchurch
Minnesota DNR Uses Helicopter to Attack Invasive Species
Dubai Police Launches New Drone Initiatives
Northern Ireland Police Helicopter Attacked With Laser Pointer
Florida Sheriff’s Pilot Gets Tip From Doorbell Camera Alert
Kenya Air Force to Take Over Police Planes
Florida County Considers Drones for Faster 911 Response
Police Helicopters Cleared of Wrongdoing in Grenfell Tower Fire
APSA Welcomes New Members
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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.
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APSA’s Virtual UAS Courses Start Next Week – Register Today!
With the hopes of conducting our 4th Annual Public Safety Drone Expo (PSDE) as an in-person event dashed by COVID-19, APSA created the PSDE Online Course Series consisting of four of our most popular sUAS courses. These two-day courses begin next week and are scheduled to run weekly, Wednesdays and Thursdays, through the first week of November. And with lower overhead for virtual meetings, we are able to offer these courses at a reduced rate over previous years. Course registration also includes a one-year complimentary APSA membership for non-members. As an extra special incentive, register for all four courses and get one free!
- Oct. 14-15: Aviation Unit Manager for Public Safety Drone Operations Course. Instructed by Mike Broderick; Dudley Crosson, PhD; Doug Daniels; Al Frazier; Mike Seligsohn; Don Shinnamon; and Bryan Smith. The cost is $150.
- Oct. 21-22: SMS for Public Safety Drone Operations Course. Instructed by Safety Program Manager Bryan Smith. The cost is $150.
- Oct. 28-29: Basic Public Safety Drone Operations Course. Instructed by Doug Daniels; Jason Day; Al Frazier; Brandon Herring; Matthew King; Scott May; Don Shinnamon; and Bryan Smith. The cost is $150.
- Nov. 4-5: Advanced Public Safety Drone Operations Course. Instructed by Dudley Crosson, PhD; Doug Daniels; Tony DeMolina; Al Frazier; Matthew King; Andrew Klane; Scott Mlakar; Don Shinnamon; Jamie Stirling; and Bryan Smith. The cost is $150.
Register today to take advantage of the special incentive offer!
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Take Part in APSA’s 2020 General Membership Meeting
APSA’s 2020 Annual General Membership Meeting will be held virtually on Monday, Nov. 2 at 4:00 pm EST. Please join us. During the meeting, APSA board and staff members will provide an update on operations and a financial status report; recognize the 2020 APSA Scholarship recipients, the 2020 Air Beat Photo Contest winner, the 2020 Ace Recruiter of the Year, and longtime APSA members (25 years and up); and recap this year's Board of Directors elections. Participating members will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide suggestions. For establishment of a quorum, registration is required. Click here for details.
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Ready for Some Face-to-Face Training? Join APSA On-The-Road!
The Airborne Public Safety Association is pleased to offer two of our most sought-after APSCON courses in person at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno, NV. Join us November 30-December 2, 2020, for either our Tactical Flight Officer Course or our Airborne Thermographer Certification Course. This will be the first and only time we are offering these courses in 2020, so don’t miss this opportunity.
The Peppermill is offering an excellent room rate of $70 per night for a Deluxe King Room in their Peppermill Tower. Visit our website for detailed course descriptions, course agendas, lodging information, to register and/or book your room. We must have at least 40 registrants by November 9th to conduct these courses, so register today!
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APSA Offers Final Remote Pilot-in-Command Course for 2020
APSA’s final Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) Course scheduled for 2020 will be conducted online for four hours a day over two consecutive weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 3, 5, 10, and 12.
This course is designed to provide students with a review of the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Process and prepare students to pass the FAA Pilot’s Exam for this rating. Successful completion requires attendance at all classroom sessions.
Registration and more information is available on the APSA website. A minimum of 30 paid registrants by October 20th is required to conduct this course, so register today!
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Free Education Fridays: Live Webinar Series Continues
APSA’s live Webinar Training Series, created to bring many of the classes scheduled for APSCON 2020 directly to you, is continuing to run every Friday through November 20. These 90-minute webinars are offered at no charge as a benefit of membership; however, registration is required. If you know of someone who is not an APSA member and would like to access any of these webinars, they can easily join APSA here.
The upcoming scheduled webinars are:
- Oct. 9—Your Role in Successful SMS: Chris Young, CY Consulting, Inc.
- Oct. 16—Aerial Support of K-9 Units: Clay Lacey, Texas Department of Public Safety
- Oct. 23—Human Factors, Real Life Applications to Safety, Bryan Smith, Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff’s Office
- Oct. 30—Aerial Firefighting Techniques, Mike Sagely, Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department
- Nov. 6—Nutritional Supplements, Sports & Energy Drinks, Dudley Crosson, APSA Aeromedical Liaison, Delta P, Inc.
- Nov. 13—Technical Hoisting, Bob Cockell, Air Rescue Systems, Inc.
- Nov. 20-- Aviation Accident Trends: Mark Colborn, Dallas (TX) Police Department
These webinars all begin at 1:00 pm EDT and each requires a separate registration. To register for any or all of the webinars, please visit our website.
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Tune In For Tech Talk Tuesdays
APSA is providing our Corporate Members with the opportunity to promote their products and services directly to our membership through our Tech Talk Tuesday Series. Currently scheduled to run through Nov. 24th and beginning at 1:00 pm EDT, these 60-minute presentations are being offered at no charge as a benefit of membership; however, registration is required. For a current listing of Tech Talk Tuesday subjects and presenters and/or to register, visit our website. If you are not a member, but would like to join our association and access these presentations, visit our Membership page.
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Man Arrested After Gunfire Hits Sheriff’s Helicopter
A 36-year-old man was arrested Sept. 11 after he struck the San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff’s Office 40King1 helicopter with gunfire. Yucaipa Police Department deputies responded around midnight after someone reported hearing gunfire and seeing the man with a shotgun, a news release said. Arriving deputies said they heard more gunshots. When they ordered the man to surrender, he instead fired at the helicopter. Deputies placed an armored vehicle in front of the home and called on the man to come out. He did, but he was armed with a knife. Soon after, he was arrested.
During the incident, 40King1 left the location to refuel. Deputies inspected the helicopter and found it had been struck by gunfire fired by the suspect. The aircrew had no injuries. A search of the man’s home turned up a rifle. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was held in jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
Source: San Bernardino Sun
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Canadian Man Facing Charges for Pointing Laser at Police Plane
A Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) Air Support Unit fixed-wing aircraft was targeted by a laser in early September in Canada. The suspect, a 37-year-old man, is facing charges after he was apprehended by ground troops. The aviation crew directed officers to the man’s location, where he was found to be in possession of two lasers. The man is charged with mischief under the Canadian criminal code and projecting a directed bright light source into navigable airspace under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Following the incident, police reminded the public of the dangers associated with pointing lasers at aircraft.
SOURCE: www.ckom.com
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Houston Police Pilot Honors Partner Killed in Crash
Houston Police Officer Chase Cormier recently spoke out about the May helicopter crash that killed Officer Jason Knox. Cormier, 35, said he remembers steering the helicopter away from an occupied apartment building to a vacant one. He said he recalls not feeling his legs after the crash and asking whether they’d been severed when firefighters arrived to remove him and Knox from the wreckage. “The only other thing I remember was being told about Jason that night, and that was probably the most difficult thing,” Cormier said.
Cormier suffered nine spinal fractures, including a burst fracture, severed nerves and paralysis in both legs. He said losing his partner hurt more. “I’m still trying to figure that out," Cormier said. "Jason was a guy that—he was kind of like a saint. He was always happy. He always came to work just in a good mood and uplifted everyone around him. He was just a great guy. I know a lot of people say that about people when they pass, but Jason was legitimately just a great man. A great father. A great husband. And he was a great police officer.”
SOURCE: www.click2houston.com
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Kentucky Man Charged With Pointing Laser at Police Pilots
A Kentucky man is facing federal charges for pointing a laser at Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) helicopter pilots. Prosecutors said the pilots experienced temporary blindness and headaches and were hindered from being able to safely pilot their aircraft. The incident occurred on Sept. 25 while the LMPD helicopter performed surveillance of a vehicle leaving the scene of an alleged burglary. During an FBI investigation, agents determined the origins of the laser and apprehended the suspect.
According to FBI agents, the man admitted he intentionally aimed the laser pointer at the LMPD helicopter while the aircraft was in flight. He said he was trying to disrupt the helicopter, which he assumed was surveilling the protests in Louisville. The man also admitted to dismantling the laser pointer and hiding it in a crawl space in his bedroom. He is facing a charge of aiming a laser at an aircraft, which could result in a fine, imprisonment of not more than five years or both. The case is still under investigation by LMPD and the FBI.
SOURCE: www.whas11.com
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Helicopter Helps Halt Wildfire at California's Mount Baldy
The Mount Baldy (CA) Fire Department successfully stopped the spread of the Sunset Fire on Mount Baldy on Sept. 11 with help from Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Air Operations. Videos from the fire department, which can be seen here, show a helicopter making several runs to drop water on the blaze.
The LACoFD had described the scene as consisting of “two small spot fires,” which were extinguished by fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft and ground forces. The Mount Baldy Fire Department tweeted: “Quick work with our partnering agencies made for a quick knockdown on the Sunset Fire. Our community greatly appreciates your support.”
SOURCE: news.yahoo.com
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U.K.’s NPAS Launches New Drone Pilot Program
The U.K. government has partnered with Israel-based defense electronics company Elbit Systems to research further potential drone uses, some of which might replace manned aircraft operations, for the National Police Air Service (NPAS). NPAS said in mid-September it had carried out “an initial evaluation of remotely piloted aircraft technology” in partnership with Elbit. The agency said it “seeks to explore how this technology might be used to deliver public safety in support of the police forces of England and Wales in the future.” The trial included a series of simulated police aviation scenarios currently fulfilled by the NPAS fleet of helicopters and airplanes.
“Meeting the diverse needs of the police forces of England and Wales requires both flexibility and versatility,” said Captain Ollie Dismore, NPAS director of flight operations. “With continuous advances in [UAS] capabilities, U.K. policing is rightly seeking to explore the viability of platforms such as these for possible future use in delivering police air support nationally. Currently serviced by our national mixed fleet of helicopters and airplanes, police forces require us to embrace innovation and make use of advancing technology, including seizing opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint.”
SOURCE: www.commercialdroneprofessional.com
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Continue Networking in APSA’s Meeting Groups

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR personnel, and UAS operators you can join using your computer, mobile device or phone. These 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.
The schedule for upcoming APSA online meetings is as follows: Safety Officers: Friday, October 23, 2020 from 12:00-1:00 PM EDT (1600 UTC) Maintenance: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC) SAR: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 from 1:00–2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC) UAS: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
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SABLE Helicopter Helps Rescue Kayaker
A North Carolina Southeastern Airborne Law Enforcement (SABLE) helicopter crew helped rescue an elderly man who became “lost and disoriented” while kayaking in early September. When the man was reported missing, the Topsail Beach Police Department responded and used an unmanned aircraft to search the marshes in which he was kayaking but were unable to locate him. Officers requested support from a Pender County Sheriff’s Office water rescue team and the SABLE helicopter. “Within minutes of arrival, Wilmington Command Pilot Jon Gordon and his TFO located the missing man where he was stuck in the marsh and landed…to bring him to safety,” a news release stated.
The man told police he had left his home hours before and became disoriented. “I am familiar enough with the marsh areas here in Banks Channel to know that these pilots did a very remarkable job here today,” Topsail Beach Police Chief Sam Gervase said. “It’s like a maze back there, and the skill it took to find a place in the marsh to land is just incredible. This is an excellent resource for all the agencies that have been fortunate enough to participate in the program.”
SOURCE: www.foxwilmington.com
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Austin City Council Approves Grants for Aviation Units
The Austin (TX) City Council voted on Sept. 4 to approve a state grant that will fund the Austin Police Department (APD) Air Support Unit. The council voted on a grant allocating $157,222 so the city can purchase two mapping systems, a searchlight and other accessories for APD’s helicopters.
The city's agenda item regarding the mapping systems and helicopter accessories indicated the APD Air Support Unit is one of few units available in the region and responds to various situations, such as missing children, missing elderly, and missing or lost hikers. The item also stated the helicopter helps police in pursuits and locating suspects. The Austin City Council vote came one week after it approved other items related to law enforcement, including additional funding for a multifunctional seating platform and rappel attachment for the police helicopter and a $259,804 grant dedicated to a mental health program for first responders.
SOURCE: www.kvue.com
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Prince George’s County Updates Helicopter’s Flight Display System
Two of Prince Georgeʼs County (MD) Police Department’s helicopters had recent installations of Garmin’s G500H TXI Flight Display System. The latest in electronic glass cockpit instrumentation, the G500H TXi brings increased levels of reliability, adaptability and affordability to helicopter operations. Available in both portrait and landscape options, the system provides bright, crisp touch-screen displays. It allows for use of familiar knobs and/or touch-screen inputs to quickly access the functions, screen views and other flight information the pilot wants to see most prominently. Summit Aviation installed the system on the department’s MD 520N helicopters.
For mission readiness, the G500H TXi is equipped with a five-color Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System1 (HTAWS), WireAware wire-strike avoidance technology and Garmin HSVT 3-D synthetic vision. The G500H TXi also features multiple video input options, night vision goggle (NVG) compatibility and a graphical map overlay within the horizontal situation indicator for most display formats.
“We are excited to continue our support of aviation law enforcement,” said Director of Sales and Marketing for Summit Aviation John Gonsalves. “The Garmin G500H TXi Flight Display System is a game changer for the critical services our customers provide every day.”
Source: Summit Aviation
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Malaysia Air Wing Training Base Now Functioning as Flight School
The training base of the Royal Malaysia Police Air Wing has recently been recognized as a full-fledged flight school by the country’s Civil Aviation Authority. Officials said on Sept. 11 that it was the first government agency aviation unit training base in the country to be given such recognition. The base has been in existence for 41 years. “With this recognition, the police force no longer needs to send its pilot trainees overseas or to other private institutions for training,” a spokesperson said. “The government would also be able to save on training costs.”
The flight school will also be used to train other national airborne agencies, such as the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Immigration and Prisons Department. “It is not cheap training pilots, co-pilots and its crew, but with the flying school now, we would be able to prevent high expenses,” the Air Wing spokesperson said.
SOURCE: www.thestar.com
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PolAir Helps Apprehend Suspect Who Shot at Police
A Queensland Police helicopter in Australia helped track and arrest a man wanted by police who shot at officers during a high-speed joyride through Brisbane. From the driver's seat of an allegedly stolen vehicle, the man let off a single round from a gun aimed at officers in pursuit. The bullet missed, and the man continued to flee, driving on the wrong side of the road. The PolAir helicopter crew caught the incident on video.
The joyride came to a stop when the man crashed through trees, dumped the car and fled on foot. Shortly afterward, he surrendered to police from the roof of a home to which the PolAir helicopter had tracked him.
SOURCE: www.9news.com.au
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Polish National Police Receive Mission-Equipped Aircraft
The Polish National Police received its new Bell 407 GXi aircraft on Sept. 14, equipped with the latest search and tracking systems and equipment. The Bell 407 GXi is one of three machines that were contracted for in 2019.
The helicopter has been fitted with a day and night optoelectronic Trakka TC-300, system operator's position, image recorder, moving digital map system, wireless image transmission to terrestrial receivers, and a remote-controlled Trakka A800 searchlight. The system enables detection, identification tracking and recording of missions, enhancing the safety of first responders. Digital avionics installed include Garminʼs G1000NCi Integrated Flight Deck, and the aircraft’s power comes from its Rolls-Royce FADEC (full authority digital control) engine.
The Bell 407 is based on the Bell 206, already operated by the Polish National Police, with the most important features being a larger cabin, four-bladed rotor and new drive unit.
Source: Air Med & Rescue
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Suffolk County Aviation Helps Rescue Stranded Jet Skier
A Suffolk County (NY) Police Department Aviation Section helicopter in mid-September located a Long Island man who was stranded for hours after his jet ski became disabled. The 30-year-old was operating a Kawasaki jet ski in the Great South Bay when he struck a sandbar, disabling the vehicle. The man used his cell phone to call 911, but the phone lost battery power shortly after he made the call.
The Aviation Section helicopter arrived on-scene, searched the area and located the man. Officers Chris DeFeo and Dave Vlacich launched a motorized Jon boat, took the man aboard and returned him safely to shore.
SOURCE: www.dailyvoice.com
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Nebraska State Aviation Helps Double Traffic Citations
Assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Aviation Support Division, NSP Troop A recently completed an enforcement effort focused on excessive speeding in the Omaha metro area. The Omaha Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office also helped with the weekend operations between July 11 and Aug. 29.
During the operation, NSP cited dozens of motorists for speeding and made several arrests, including six DUI’s, two flights to avoid arrest, one carrying a concealed firearm and one possession of a stolen vehicle. In total, NSP cited 134 drivers for speeding at 90 mph or more, almost double the number of citations given during the same period in 2019. “For the last several years, our troopers and law enforcement partners have participated in efforts to combat excessive speeding on metro roads,” said Captain Matt Sutter, Troop A commander. “This year, excessive speeding has been an issue for several consecutive months. As this effort closes, troopers will remain vigilant throughout the metro area and continue excessive speeding enforcement to keep our roads safe.” The effort was made possible due to a grant for $11,800 dollars from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
SOURCE: www.klkntv.com
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Turkish Police Presented Outstanding Operational Readiness Award by Bell
Bell Textron Inc. presented the Turkish National Police with an award for Outstanding Operational Readiness in mid-September. The department operates 14 Bell 429s for its safety and security missions, and the fleet’s operational readiness is above 95 percent. “Operating the Bell 429 has been essential in completing our missions to the best of our ability,” Turkish National Police Chief Inspector Nihat Sirin said. “Bell provides a highly customizable aircraft that meets our critical mission needs.”
SOURCE: www.verticalmag.com
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Maryland State Helicopter Completes Hoist Rescue
Maryland State Police (MSP) Aviation Command’s helicopter Trooper 5 was dispatched on Sept. 20 to a remote hiking trail to help extract an injured hiker deep in the woods. Rescue crews from Oldtown Volunteer Fire Department, District 16 Volunteer Fire Department and Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department were able to make contact with the injured hiker after they received his 911 call. Due to his injuries, the terrain and the required extrication time, rescue personnel requested the aviation command for a hoist extraction.
MSP pilots maneuvered their AW-139 into position 200 feet above the rescue crews and injured hiker. They lowered a trooper/rescue technician, medical equipment and the extraction device into a small and challenging opening in the heavily wooded valley. The rescue technician assisted with lifesaving care and patient stabilization before securing the hiker into the rescue device with assistance from fire company personnel. The crew then hoisted the technician and injured hiker into the aircraft and took the victim to a local medical center for treatment.
SOURCE: news.maryland.gov
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New Zealand Police Helicopter Not Returning to Christchurch
The New Zealand Police has elected not to maintain a helicopter unit in Christchurch following a five-week trial program. The state-of-the-art chopper was used over Christchurch from mid-February through March. It attended 346 incidents, ranging from a water rescue to a robbery attempt, and received positive feedback. But a letter from an officer, published in the latest Police News magazine, said the Eagle helicopter would not return full-time. The officer said every individual working with the helicopter found it beneficial. “I know the cost of [the] Eagle is high, but if you offset it with the amount saved in road trauma, plus fewer victims of crashes, burglaries, etc., it pays for itself,” the officer wrote.
A police spokesperson confirmed, “Any consideration of extending air support would need to be made in context with existing priorities.” The spokesperson said police were in the process of developing an air support strategy, which would take a “broader view” across the country before the department committed to investing in specific locations.
SOURCE: www.stuff.co.nz
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Minnesota DNR Uses Helicopter to Attack Invasive Species
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) waged an aerial assault on hybrid cattails this summer using an enforcement division helicopter rigged with spraying equipment to hit the plants with herbicide. “This is really declaring war on it, to get up and do the aerial cattail spraying,” said Randy Prachar, manager of Roseau River WMA. “Aerial spraying is the way to go, and with GPS, they’re pretty exact.”
Long a bane of wetland and wildlife managers, hybrid cattails are a cross between the native broadleaf and invasive narrowleaf cattail. The cattails choke wetlands and overtake the native broadleaf species and other desirable plants, such as wild rice. DNR has historically tried burning and cutting the cattails, with limited effectiveness.
SOURCE: www.duluthnewstribune.com
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Dubai Police Launches New Drone Initiatives
The Dubai Police Unmanned Aerial Systems Centre (UASC), established in 2018, has contracted with Canada-based Draganfly to help the department use technology “to improve the wellbeing of society and operational effectiveness in public safety overall.” Established in 1956, the Dubai Police today says it “aims to develop the best techniques and AI tools that serve the needs of the people and ensure their security, locally and globally.” For example, the department introduced the world’s first smart police station, which operates without human intervention 24/7 and offers 27 services, including reporting crimes and traffic incidents.
SOURCE: www.urbanairmobilitynews.com
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Northern Ireland Police Helicopter Attacked With Laser Pointer
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) helicopter was attacked with a laser while the aircraft assisted on a search for a missing person in mid-September. The helicopter crew directed ground troops to the suspect, who was arrested. "He will be interviewed and most likely have a court date soon," police said. The Police Federation, which represents PSNI officers, said the behavior was "unbelievably dangerous" and put the lives of officers and the public at risk.
Northern Ireland’s Air Navigation Order makes it an offense to endanger aircraft, and the suspect could face charges of possessing a dangerous weapon. Police have previously said laser pen attacks on aircraft could be catastrophic. Officers later found the missing person the helicopter crew had been searching for when the laser strike occurred.
SOURCE: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
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Florida Sheriff’s Pilot Gets Tip From Doorbell Camera Alert
A Seminole County (FL) Sheriff’s Office helicopter pilot was on a flight in mid-September when he spotted a group of vehicle burglars—not from the air, but through an alert from his home’s doorbell camera, authorities said. The pilot’s personal Ring camera alerted him of a teen dressed in black clothing attempting to open the passenger door of a white truck parked outside his home on Sept. 14. The teen and another young person were checking for unlocked cars, and the pilot alerted Volusia County authorities. The suspects fled in an SUV when deputies tried to pull them over, but officers later used stop sticks to pop the vehicle’s tires.
Police took three teenagers, ages 14, 15 and 16, into custody. A spokesperson said the teens had been linked by investigators to several car break-ins, and their SUV had been reported stolen. Inside, he said deputies found several wallets, a ski mask and a window-breaching tool.
SOURCE: www.orlandosentinel.com
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Kenya Air Force to Take Over Police Planes
The Kenya Police Service is being forced to relinquish management of its helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to the nation’s air force. Officials said President Uhuru Kenyatta would issue an executive order to bring about the changes, which will move all aircraft operated by the Kenya Police, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service, KenGen, Kenya Power, Ketraco and other state agencies under Kenya Air Force management.
Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Francis Ogolla and Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai met police pilots and engineers in late September at the Air Wing in Nairobi to announce the plans. “They are now awaiting the executive order to effect these planned changes,” said an officer who requested anonymity. “The military will run our fleet.” Mutyambai would not comment on the matter. According to insiders, government officials believe the move is necessary to bring military discipline to the embattled Air Wing.
SOURCE: www.standardmedia.co.ke
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Florida County Considers Drones for Faster 911 Response
Manatee County, FL, could be the first in the nation to use unmanned aircraft systems to respond to 911 emergencies, officials said. The county is considering a pilot program in which a drone would deliver medical supplies to people in need quickly, before an ambulance could arrive, according to Jake Saur, Manatee County Public Safety director. A Manatee County Fire-Rescue spokesperson said its average EMS response time in rural areas is up to 20 minutes, and a drone could represent a significant improvement. "If this drone were to drop an AED, NARCAN or a tourniquet, the 911 operator would direct the caller or bystanders on how to use it until EMS arrives," Saur said.
County officials said emergency medical teams would still arrive on scenes as they currently do, but the drone partnership with Archer First Response Systems would be an added feature, especially in rural areas. The one-year pilot program would cost the county $1 a month, but it still must be approved by FAA before it can go forward.
SOURCE: www.abcactionnews.com
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Police Helicopters Cleared of Wrongdoing in Grenfell Tower Fire
A U.K. police watchdog has cleared the National Police Air Service (NPAS) of accusations its helicopters made the flames at the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire worse and encouraged residents to head to the roof in the hope of rescue. The report said no helicopter came close enough to cause downdraft and fan the catastrophic fire’s flames. It also said no evidence indicated emergency call dispatchers suggested helicopters might be able to rescue residents. The fire at the West London tower killed 72 people in June 2017.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct published the 80-page report following its investigation. The report was prompted by a complaint made three years ago by a victim who lost six members of his family during the fire. The complaint said residents believed the helicopters they could see from their windows had been sent to rescue them from the roof of the building.
SOURCE: www.bbc.com
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APSA Welcomes New Members
APSA would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during September 2020:
Corporate Members: 
GPMS
Individual Members:
Hope Able, Beaufort County (SC) Sheriff's Office Becky Ahlvin, City of Hazelwood, MO Derrick Alatorre, Ontario (CA) Police Department Air Support Raymond Anthony, Independent Member Nick Ardoff, Kandiyohi County (MN) Sheriff's Office Jennifer Bell, City of Wentzville (MO) Police Department Brandon Berie, Dallas (TX) Police Department Michael Bishop, City of Mason, OH Daniel Cain, Fort Walton (FL) Beach Police Department Ray Capps, Walker County (AL) Sheriff's Office Sarah Carmody, Independent Member Chady Chahine, Blue Ash (OH) Police Department James Condis, Dallas (TX) Police Department Brian Davis, Image Air Charter Steven DiGiorno, Oakdale (CA) Police Department Ernest Edwards, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Adam Eich, Gwinnett County, (GA) Police Department Aaron Foote, Alameda County (CA) Sheriff's Office William Fritts, Blue Ash (OH) Police Department Michael Hardial, Nassau County (NY) Police Department Brett Hardwick, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit Jack Harvey, Houston (TX) Police Department Rick Hassna, Alameda County (CA) Sheriff's Office Desiree Horton, Independent Member Steven Kush, US Customs & Border Protection Air & Marine | Yuma (AZ) Sector Joe Lopez, Dallas (TX) Police Department Chris Lutes, Nebraska State Patrol Ryan Mabry, Dallas (TX) Police Department Thomas MacPherson, Dallas (TX) Police Department Tyler Malone, Oakdale (CA) Police Department Brian Martonik, Henrico County (VA) Police Department Metro Aviation Philip McBride, Indiana State Police Marshall Milligan, Dallas (TX) Police Department William Murray, Romeoville (IL) Fire Department Todd Neumann, Kandiyohi County (MN) Sheriff's Office Christopher Nilsen, Dallas (TX) Police Department Sasa Novakovic, Edmonton (AB) Police Service Flight Operations Unit Josiah Puckett, Kandiyohi County (MN) Sheriff's Office Ryan Schutz, Kandiyohi County (MN) Sheriff's Office Tony Sievert, Pipestone County (MN) Sheriff's Office Matthew Sikorski, Los Angeles (CA) Police Department Stanley Slinker, USDA Jim Smith, Oakdale (CA) Police Department Jeremy Smith, Above Ground Group Joshua Watts, Pipestone County (MN) Sheriff's Office Bryan Williams, Columbus (OH) Police Department Aviation Section - Helicopter Unit Jason Willis, Dallas (TX) Police Department
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