For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1700015 |
| Date Issued: | Mar 09, 2017 - 10:40am |
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Sheriff's Office RAVEN program begins third decade of service (with video) |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office RAVEN program was created by former Sheriff Richard Kirkland in 1996 following a series of severe mid-winter storms similar to what the region is currently experiencing. At the time of the 1997 flood, the Sheriff's helicopter program was beginning to take shape.
"I told my staff at the time that Washoe County would never again be without the services of a patrol helicopter to assist our citizens during any emergency situation that could be improved by helicopter services," Kirkland said when asked about his decision to launch the program.
Sheriff Kirkland empowered Sergeant Gregg Lubbe, who was also a Chief Warrant Officer in the Nevada Army National Guard at the time, to locate the resources necessary to build a successful aviation unit. Sgt. Lubbe procurred excess equipment the military was phasing out through the Defense Reutilization Marketing Office or DRMO. The Sheriff's Office obtained two flyable OH-58 Kiowas from the South Dakota National Guard and, utilizing volunteers from the Nevada Army National Guard, flew them home to Reno.
The Sheriff appointed three members from the Nevada Army Guard as full time Deputy Sheriff's to maintain and fly the newly acquired aircraft. Utilizing inmate labor from the jail and Nevada Department of Corrections, the aircraft received their first face lifts from Army green to the now recognizable White and Black. Local aviation business owner Albi Reddick donated time and materials to assist with upgrading the radio systems.
The demand for additional aircraft grew and a HH-1H (Air Force version) of the Huey helicopter was obtained along with two parts aircraft from the California National Guard.
"Former Sheriff Kirkland's plan for a full service, regional helicopter program has grown into one of the most invaluable resources for public safety in our region," Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen said. "In addition to creating greater efficiencies and safety for law enforcement, the RAVEN program is now an important firefighting resource, and RAVEN continues to save lives by assisting with Search and Rescue."
"We owe our gratitude to those who envisioned and helped to create and form the Sheriff's aviation program. I am extremely proud of all those from our staff and volunteers who have been part of RAVEN's ongoing public safety mission," Sheriff Allen said.
In 2016, RAVEN responded to well over 500 service calls, assisted in nine fire responses, and saved ten lives through Search and Rescue operations. In addition, RAVEN helped save the lives of two law enforcement officers during an active shooter incident in the Sierra.
On August 9, RAVEN, with three Washoe County Sheriff SWAT snipers on board, responded to Washington, California to assist with an active shooter incident. RAVEN conducted two high-risk night hoists under threat of engagement from the active shooter in order to safely evacuate two endangered law enforcement officers.
Search and Rescue represents a significant mission for the Sheriff's Office, particularly due to the legislative requirement to conduct these missions. RAVEN, with its high altitude, technical rescue and hoisting capability, represents a huge benefit to the community. In 2016, RAVEN conducted 23 dedicated search and rescue missions for 48.5 hours, a 53.8 percent increase in from 2015. Of the resulting 13 rescues, 10 were deemed to be life-saving; a 200 percent increase from 2015.
Between April 1st and November 1st, RAVEN personnel provided 222 days of dedicated firefighting coverage for Washoe County. RAVEN flew 17.5 hours of fire suppression missions on 9 separate fire incidents, delivering 23,976 gallons of water. This is a 26 percent increase in responses from 2015. WCSO entered into its third year as a cooperator for USFS while completing its 6th year with BLM.
RAVEN conducted 4.9 hours of dedicated Special Team training and operations with SWAT, to include operations with WCSO Snipers and Reno SWAT. RAVEN has become a dedicated player in each of the team's training and operations, and was utilized regularly for training and real-world operations. These training hours prove their value when situations arise such as the August 9 active shooter in California.
RAVEN provided 191.6 dedicated hours to patrol operations in 2016, consisting of 538 calls for service. RAVEN was the first unit on scene 369 times or 68.5 percent of the time (a 35 percent increase from 2015). RAVEN's support of patrol operations has result in an estimated savings of $29,825.83 in man hours. This is a 61.9 percent increase from 2015. RAVEN personnel additionally conducted 431 Department of Homeland Security checks of critical infrastructure in the Truckee-Meadows area.
In the attached video, RAVEN's Chief Pilot Deputy Doug Russelldiscusse the history and future of the RAVEN program: https://youtu.be/2ewuo96LQIM
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.