FLIR technology and the installation of searchlights around late 1993, the unit was able to substantially diversify their role in law enforcement public safety missions. In 1995, the unit obtained ANVIS-6 NVG goggles and implemented a training pro- gram that forever changed the unit’s night- time operations. Presently, all pilots and tactical flight officers are NVG trained and qualified and are using the ANVIS – 9’s / M949 goggles. After 17 years of using NVG’s, flying with them is routine and crews are very proficient in their use.
SEARCH AND RESCUE Georgia is blessed with hundreds of
miles of saltwater coastlines, a myriad of rivers and lakes, as well as thousands of square miles of forests and parks. From dense mountain forests in the northwest, to the Atlantic coasts of the southeast, recre- ational activities are abundant across the state. Hiking, boating, fishing, rafting, hunt- ing, kayaking, and rock climbing make up the shortlist of activities that occur on a daily basis. As such, recreational accidents
30 June 2012
often occur in hard to get places. The UH- 1’s, which are outfitted with rescue hoists, are the perfect tool for such missions. In order to keep operating costs down,
the helicopters are not staffed around the clock with rescue personnel. Each of the six bases (spread around the state) has mu- tual aid agreements with local Fire Depart- ments who provide personnel on an as needed basis. These personnel are on shift with their respective fire departments, available 24/7/365, and train regularly in order to keep their skills at a high level. When an SAR mission is dispatched, the helicopter with pilot/co-pilot, and crew chief will fly directly to the fire station and pick up the rescue crew prior to launching toward the scene.
FIREFIGHTING Wildland fires at the urban interface are
also a common occurrence in Georgia. Al- though fighting fires are not the primary mission of the GSP, they are often called in support of the Forestry Division and municipal fire departments when more
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