For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1500140 |
| Date Issued: | Dec 23, 2015 - 11:05am |
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The Washoe County Sheriff's Office reminds residents to check their outdoor Christmas light displays, especially when using laser beam holiday lighting. |
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| CONTACT: | Deputy Jeff McCaskill Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-328-6370 Cell 775-771-8252 |
On Tuesday, December 22, 2015 the Washoe County Sheriff's Office RAVEN helicopter was conducting a routine flight in the Reno area. At one point in the flight, the pilots were temporarily blinded by red and green lasers that were directed into the helicopter cockpit.
RAVEN pilots and Washoe County Sheriff's Office patrol Deputies investigated the origin of the laser beams and found that they were a part of a residential Christmas light display. Laser landscaping projector lights are seen more frequently in outdoor holiday displays and can be easily purchased on-line or in stores. Deputies were able to contact the homeowners to share with them the dangers associated with laser lights and assist them with correct placement and adjustment of the lights.
While this incident was not intentional and the RAVEN pilots were not injured, The Washoe County Sheriff's Office would like to remind citizens, especially those who may live in the flight path, to adjust their laser projected lights. The adjustment should ensure that all beams of laser light be focused on the home to avoid any stray lighting.
The Reno Flight Standards District Office of the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that homeowners move their laser projected lighting closer to their residence or move the projection from an elevated area down toward their home.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office would like to wish all the citizens of Northern Nevada, and visitors to the area, a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. Any questions related to laser Christmas lighting can be directed to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office at (775) 328-3001.
Photo #1: House with Christmas laser lighting
Photo #2: Laser projector light
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.