DIVERSE CAPABILITIES
“In addition to serving the citizens of, and visitors to, Hillsborough County, we’re also tasked with supporting our federal, state, and local agency partners as the response unit for the Region 4, Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF),” said Jeramy Butler, HCSO master sheriff’s pilot.
This commitment to the RDSTF, as well as the citizens of the county, requires a high level of capability and training from the HCSO Aviation Section team members. From a law enforcement mission equipment perspective, one would be hard-pressed to find aircraft any more prepared or outfitted than HCSO’s. Its newest AS350 variant is the very capable B3 that is complemented by the Teledyne FLIR Star SAFIRE®
380-
HDc, known for its unparalleled stabilized HD multi-spectral imaging in a compact, low-profile package that is perfect for law enforcement operations. In addition to the FLIR for use in night operations, all aircraft are night vision imaging systems (NVIS) capable, and all pilots / TFOs are NVG trained and operational.
In fact, when it comes to operating at night, in 2020 the HCSO Aviation Section’s efforts and contributions to public safety were recognized at the Airborne Public Safety Conference (APSCON) FLIR Vision Awards. The competition compares state and local law enforcement agencies from across the country in their use of tactical airborne thermal imagery.
HCSO’s skillful pilots and crews were among the top contenders, winning second place for “K9 Catches” and placing third in the category of “Best FLIR Video.” The honor came with a $1,000 prize donation to HCSO’s Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation.
“Our aviation team is one of the best in the country and these prestigious awards reflect its professionalism and dedication,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a previous press statement. “Their passion to serve the people of Hillsborough County is on display every single day, every time they take off, until they land, and we could not be prouder of this great achievement.”
Given that much of Hillsborough County and many of its neighboring partner counties are surrounded by water, parks,
50 May/June 2021
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
