Fairfax County PD Helicopter Unit rewarded for rescue
On 20 July, members of the Fairfax County Police Department's Helicopter Unit were awarded the annual Gus Crawford Air Crew of the Year Award, which was given for the rescue of two missing boys in Spotsylvania, Virginia in January this year.
On 20 July, members of the Fairfax County Police Department's Helicopter Unit were awarded the annual Gus Crawford Air Crew of the Year Award, which was given for the rescue of two missing boys in Spotsylvania, Virginia in January this year. The Gus Crawford Air Crew of the Year Award is given annually by the Airborne Law Enforcement Association.
On 25 January, two brothers, aged 10 and five, went outside to play in the newly fallen snow with their dog. When a parent went to check on them 30 minutes later, it was discovered that footprints from the boys led into the dense woods bordering the family home. Deputies from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office began searching for the boys on the ground and requested aerial assistance from the Fairfax County Police Helicopter, Fairfax One. Communicating with deputies below, the helicopter performed an extensive search utilising its infrared camera, in the waning light of a winter afternoon with sub-freezing temperatures. With only 10 to 15 minutes-worth of fuel remaining for Fairfax One to remain on the scene, a small heat source was located under a fallen tree next to a creek. Using its high-definition camera, the crew was able to spot the two missing boys huddled together under the tree and directed search team members on the ground to their location.
The three officers who were recognised were Pilot Garrett Wymer, Master Police Officer Paul DeHaven and Police Officer First Class Timothy Schilling.