NYPD Aviation: "Guns And Wrenches"

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Interesting article.

Air Beat Magazine

Journal of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association

NYPD Maintenance: GUNS N’ WRENCHES

By Jon Goldin

Any law enforcement aviation unit is only as good as its maintenance. If helicopters aren’t in service, they are of no use while sitting in a hangar. Aviation units have either their own in-house mechanics or contract out for their maintenance, likely being worked on by civilian technicians. That isn’t the case with the New York Police Department. Every mechanic working on NYPD fleet of helicopters is a sworn, gun-carrying member of the department. That’s because they perform dual functions within the unit.

From the first days in 1929 when the NYPD took to the air, police officers have always been turning the wrenches on department aircraft. However, the mechanics of today have a far more expanded role than their predecessors. In addition to their duties in keeping the fleet of seven helicopters (three Jet Rangers, one Long Ranger and three Bell 412s) maintained, they are all certified as crew-chiefs.

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.alea.org/public/airbeat/back_is...maintenance.htm

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So are these mechanics who become cops or cops who become mechanics?

[Oswegowind 17]

So are these mechanics who become cops or cops who become mechanics?

In other words, which came first, the chicken or the egg? LOL

Chris, do you maintain your own bird, if so I ain't ever flying with you!