The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) is taking community engagement to the skies with the latest episode of their 'SJSO Unlocked' podcast. The recent installment features members of the SJSO Aviation Unit, who play a pivotal role in safeguarding the skies of St. Johns County. Sharing their experiences, the officers discuss the specifics of their aerial operations.
Established in 1997, the Aviation Unit has become a fundamental part of the SJSO, providing indispensable support to ground units dealing with investigations and responding to service calls. Utilizing their fleet of two Bell 407 helicopters, their five pilots and three tactical flight officers (TFOs) collaborate closely with ground personnel to ensure public safety. The unit also relies on an aircraft maintenance team, including two full-time and one part-time maintainer, to keep their equipment in peak condition.
In the fifth episode of the podcast, Pilot Casey Kumar shares insights into a high-stress situation that unfolded over Green Cove Springs in February, where the Aviation Unit was crucial in aiding an aircraft in distress. Additionally, TFO Gavin Higgins recounts the pursuit of a kidnapping suspect from South Florida on March 3, leading to the discovery of the suspect in an unlikely hideout—inside a carry-by semi-truck, as per SJSO.
Listeners are also offered a glimpse into the operations of the Aviation Unit, learning about the division of responsibilities between pilots and TFOs and their coordinated efforts with local, state, and federal law enforcement.
