Title
To recognize and commend the Columbus Division of Police Helicopter Unit for being the first law enforcement aviation unit in the country to earn full accreditation from the Airborne Law Enforcement Association Council on Accreditation.
Body
WHEREAS, in 1972, the Columbus Division of Police Helicopter Unit was created and immediately became an integral part of the Division of Police. The Helicopter Unit provides tactical air support to the entire Division of Police, 24 hours a day; and
WHEREAS, the use of 6 helicopters by the Columbus Division of Police ensures the safety of our patrol officers and allows them to be more effective as they keep our citizens and neighborhoods safe; and
WHEREAS, the helicopters are important law enforcement and crime-fighting tools. In 2010 alone, the Helicopter Unit recorded 20,013 calls for service, had an average response time of 1.1 minutes, flew 4,450 hours of flight time and was on scene first 6,916 times. They also assisted with 187 misdemeanor and 254 felony arrests, followed 49 foot and 76 vehicle pursuits, and helped locate 14 missing individuals; and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2012, the Helicopter Unit was notified of its accreditation status by the Airborne Law Enforcement Association Council on Accreditation (ALEAC). The Columbus Division of Police Helicopter Unit was the first law enforcement aviation unit in the country to earn full accreditation; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Police Helicopter Unit is a leader in the law enforcement aviation industry. Earning full accreditation affirms the outstanding professionalism within the Helicopter Unit and ensures continued efforts to maintain the highest standards and the safest practices; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Police Helicopter Unit is comprised of the finest officers and pilots in the law enforcement aviation industry. Their dedication to excelling beyond industry standards in training, safety, operations, and management is highly commenda...
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