[Scan-DC] Volunteer Gets New 800 Mhz Prince William Conty Radio-

[john wilson]

    In my opinion he was made an auxillary deputy for the purpose of the Sheriff's Office
having access to the helicopter and his flight services.  As an auxillary deputy he is a
law enforcement agent of  the county.  Therefore not only is he, the aircraft owner,m
legally liable for any negligent flight activities, the county also is at legal risk of a
lawsuit for any such actions performed in his "official" capability.  Helicopters have the
guide slope of a brick.  This is a very risky decision by the county SO.

Marcel wrote:

> Sheriff's Office takes to the sky
> By Sarah L. Greenhalgh
> 04/22/2003
>
> It caused quite a stir in Old Town.
>
> The little green helicopter landed next to the
> Verizon building off Lee Street on Monday
> afternoon, drawing a crowd of gawkers.
> Many of them were law enforcement officials
> from the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office.
>
> Their newest secret weapon was revealed.
>
> Owned and piloted by Sheriff's Office
> special auxiliary deputy Sgt. Kevin Rychilk,
> this new addition is costing the residents of
> Fauquier County exactly zero dollars.
>
> "It's completely free," Sheriff Joe Higgs said,
> admiring his new aerial vehicle. "It costs the taxpayers and the county nothing.
> Kevin is donating his services to the department. It will be used to locate missing
> children, Alzheimer's patients who have wandered off, and for mercy flights."
>
> Rychilk, a former Prince William law enforcement officer, bought the $350,000
> fuel-injected Robinson R44 Raven II for himself.
>
> "I didn't buy it for the department," Rychilk said. "It's for me. Flying is a hobby of
> mine."
>
> Rychilk, who is a former motorcycle officer of seven years, is now president and
> CEO of Security Associates LTD, a firm that specializes in electronic security. He
> is also a certified instructor of criminal justice.
>
> His work with the Sheriff's Office is strictly volunteer. A Prince William resident,
> Rychilk recently moved closer to Fauquier to do more volunteer work for the
> Sheriff's Office.
>
> The cost of maintaining, insuring and fueling the helicopter is all on Rychilk.
>
> "This helicopter is not going to be flying every day," Rychilk said. "It's for
> emergency use only as a support system for the Sheriff's Office.
>
> "We are there for missing people or as aerial support for a big event. We may do
> some mercy flights, taking organs to hospitals or cancer patients to get special
> treatments."
>
> In addition, Rychilk said he would like to teach a few educational programs,
> showing the helicopter and its role in law enforcement.
>
> Eye in the sky
>
> Currently, Fauquier County has to rely on Prince William's busy State Police
> helicopter, which is not always readily available.
>
> "We hope to be in the air and ready in about 20 minutes," Rychilk said.
>
> The four-seater Robinson R44 flies at about 140 knots. It is a 2003 factory-made
> model and has only about 80 hours on it.
>
> Similar to the Robinson R22 trainer, this helicopter is faster and much easier to
> handle.
>
> "Robinson is one of the most reliable and safest of helicopters," Rychilk said.
>
> Since the Robinson is an FAA-certified visual flight-only vehicle, Rychilk said he
> will be in service as long as he can see to fly.
>
> While it does not have the heat-seeking Flare System like the State Police,
> Rychilk said he is equipping the helicopter with a large spotlight, and infrared
> goggles for night searches.
>
> The helicopter will also have both the regular radio system and the new 800-MHz
> system, and will also have a Global Positioning System with a grid search mapping
> capability.
>
> Rychilk has been a pilot for about four years. He will be assisted on most flights by
> certified instructor Jerry Reynolds, who is a 20-year veteran of the sport.
>
> "Between the two of us we are bringing a lot of combined experience to the table,"
> Rychilk said.
>
> While his decision to invest in the helicopter was mostly to feed his hobby,
> Rychilk's choice to loan his services to the Sheriff's Office was much more
> personal.
>
> "I have a great deal of respect for Joe Higgs," Rychilk said. "He is probably one of
> the most respected sheriffs in the state. There are 660 square miles in this county.
> We hope to help in whatever way we can."
>
> http://www.zwire.com/site/tab2.cfm?newsid=7792667&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=506066&rfi=6
>
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> Scan-DC@mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/scan-dc


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