The mission of the Air Wing is to provide air surveillance in support of search and rescue missions and tactical operations. 

 

The Air Wing was formed to serve the Sheriff's Departments and citizens of Jefferson and Walworth Counties in Wisconsin. It is also in support of other law enforcement agencies in southern Wisconsin. 

 

The Air Wing is available for deployment requests on a 24-hour, 7 day-a-week basis. 

 

*Surveillance 

* Communications

*Search and Rescue Operations

*Tactical Command Coordination

*SWAT Force Multiplier

*Air/Ground Interoperability

*Hostage Negotiations 

 

The Air Wing is composed of civilian pilotswho have a desire to give their time to the community. They are all sworn special deputies of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. They undergo continuing education in the areas of of law that pertain to their duties as pilots. 

 

 

Jefferson County Patrol Captain 

(920)-674-7328

 

Timothy Tyre, Chief Pilot 

(414)-581-1670

 

Richard Shandor, Executive Pilot

(262)-227-9396

 

Jim Felland, Operations Officer

(608)-208-0068

 

Deployed air assets allow a 3-5 nautical mile "look-down" capability for surveillance operations. Monitoring of vehicular traffic, tracking of suspects during evolving crime events and observation of plume spreads following a hazmat event are several obvious uses of this resource. Instantaneous communications add to the robustness of this resource. 

Enhanced communications during tactical and training events for deployed SWAT unit personnel are available with a deployed Air Wing. Two fully-qualified airborne pilots, familiar with SWAT operations, strengthen the Tactical Commander's capability to "view" the crime scene and communicate instantaneously regarding activities on the ground not "knowable" to surface-deployed assets (ground recon officers, snipers, etc...). Instantaneous photo images can be digitally provided to the Swat Commander from a deplyoed air asset, further enhancing the tactical decision-maker's role and adding images to the evidence bank. 

Enhanced search and rescue capabilities are introduced from air assets. Search coverage grids are significantly larger when viewed from the air. Larger areas of search are covered faster with a deployed air asset. Air to ground coordination is available allowing a rapid "look-down" into suspicious areas of activity and/or damage. Coordination (air-to-air) with Civil Air Patrol assets is also available with the Police Air Wing. 

The "force multiplier" use of rapidly deployed law enforcement controlled air assets is particularly useful to the Tactical Commander during both tactical and training operations. Rapid movement of the air asset (100-150 nautical miles per hour or greater) allows very quick coverage and support to ground personnel. Simultaneous "grid" assignments by the Tactical Commander to the airborne pilot is possible. 

During tactical SWAT operations, the deployment of the Air Wing both strengthens and enhances the Commander's force with upgraded communications, rapidly moveable "eyes" and tracking capacities not typically available to law enforcement. 

Air Wing and ground command center integrated operations are possible with instantaneous communications linkage and photographic image downloads. 

Hostage Negotiations:

The Air Wing allows surveillance and tracking capability not available in other dimensions. There is a trained negotiator in the Air Wing.