Record Night Vision Awards at ALEA
Scott Emerine: “It was great to hear about so many stories of criminals caught and lives saved because of the use of NVGs.”
The organisers of the Night Vision Awards report that they received a record number of entries and gave out a record number of awards at the Edge Nightclub inside the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada, US, in conjunction with the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Annual Convention.
“There were so many compelling stories and exemplary police units at this year’s Night Vision Awards,” said awards master of ceremonies Scott Emerine. “It was great to hear about so many stories of criminals caught and lives saved because of the use of NVGs.”
The Five-Year Service award was presented to the Baltimore County Police Department Aviation Team, while the 10-Year Service award was given to the Redlands Police Department Air Support Unit, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Aviation Unit, Seminole County Sheriff's Office and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Langley Air Section. Alachua County Joint Aviation Unit, Leon County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Section, Collier County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Bureau and Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office all gained the 15-Year Service award. The Georgia State Patrol Aviation Division was recognised with a 20-Year Service award.
The Community Awareness Award, which is given to a unit/company that has demonstrated leadership and pioneering NVG flights in their community was presented to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
Baltimore County Police Department Aviation Team received the Mark of Excellence award, which recognises a unit/company that signifies dedication to quality and excellence in their operation. Sgt David McVey, Baltimore County Police Aviation, said: “The members of the Baltimore County Police Department Aviation Team are honoured to be the recipient of the 2017 Night Flight Concept’s Mark of Excellence award. The use of night vision goggles has greatly enhanced the safety of our night-time operations and our effectiveness in crime fighting.”
CHC Australia was honored with the International Advancement Service award, which is given to a unit/company that champions the need for NVGs and systems outside of North America. Vince D’Rozario, CHC regional director, Asia Pacific, commented: “For the past seven years, our team in APAC has focused on exploring how night vision technology can help keep our crews and customers safe in a variety of conditions. In fact, CHC has become the biggest non-military operator of night vision goggles in the southern hemisphere. We utilise the technology on a range of aircraft we operate in the region including the AW139, Bell 412, EC145 and S76.”
Sponsors of the event included Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), Night Flight Concepts (NFC), Vertical Magazine and Rotorcraft Pro Magazine.