Under the supervision of Lt. George Dempsey the aviation unit uses
military surplus helicopters to provide air support to a growing
county. The Aviation unit consists of two full time pilots, Lt.
Dempsey and Deputy David Miller, and a technical flight officer
D/S Brian Patterson. Lieutenant McCandless who was an Army Aviator
also fills in when needed. The military surplus helicopters have
been outfitted with modern infrared technology, radio systems, GPS
moving maps and Air1 has video downlink capability.
From left to right:
Technical flight officer
Brian Patterson, Lt. Brian McCandless,
Chief Pilot Lt. George Dempsey, Pilot Dave Miller
Pilots fly with night vision goggles that
greatly increase the aviation unit's night time capabilities. The
Aviation Unit supports a variety of local State and Federal agencies.
Missions include marijuana eradication, surveillance, finding lost
persons. Assisting in the location of fleeing felons, illegal immigrants,
search and rescue, command and control during firefighting operations
aerial photos of crime scenes for courtroom presentation, backing
up ground units, and many others. Demonstrations and displays are
done on a case by case basis depending on the availability of aircraft
and crews. Requests for these missions should be directed to Lt. Dempsey.
The Air units often patrol vast tracks of land in western Martin County
that are not easily accessible by patrol vehicles. Missions such as
these and the ability of the Aviation Unit to be the watch commander’s
eye in the sky is invaluable for police operations.
