AVIATION UNIT

The Dale County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit was formed in the mid 1980’s. In 2002 the Aviation Unit acquired an OH-58 Ranger from the U. S. Department of Defense. Over the next several months, the Vietnam-era helicopter was repainted and fitted with police equipment.

The OH-58 model is the military version of the most popular civilian helicopter in the world, the Bell Jet Ranger. It is capable of carrying four people and is powered by a single turbine engine. Its top speed is approximately 120 knots per hour and normally cruises at 90 knots with an endurance time of 2.5 hours. Over the last several years, a fifteen million-candle power searchlight and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) were installed on the aircraft giving the crew the ability to search areas in total darkness. The aircraft is also equipped with technology to locate Alzheimer’s patients or “wanderers” as part of Project Lifesaver.

The Aviation Unit’s primary mission is to assist in search and rescue operations and counter-drug operations and is available to neighboring law enforcement agencies. The unit is also used to locate missing persons and aid in emergent situations.

The Dale County Sheriff’s Office’s Aviation Unit consists of several members. All personnel are assigned as follows: