HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY
This goes to Tom Runyan and the entire Houston City Police Dept. who this year celebrate the 40th anniversary of their air support division.
“The dreams of yesterday have become today’s reality. Police aircrews now use night vision technology, moving map systems, gyro-stabilized binoculars, video downlink systems and thermal imaging. Current technology will improve and new technology not yet envisioned will find its way to the aerial police platform.
“Maintaining a constant vision of excellence, the Houston Police Department's Air Support Division will continue to thrive, providing an ever-increasing level of service and improving the quality of life for the citizens of Houston and surrounding areas.”
- Capt. Tom Runyan
Houston was one of the first US cities to have a dedicated airborne law enforcement program. It was established January 1, 1970 as part of the Traffic Enforcement Division. The original fleet consisted of three Hughes 269B helicopters. Houston's current fleet is made up of ten MD 500E’s, three Schweizer 300-C’s and one Cessna 182.
Houston's Air Support Division flies in excess of 6,000 flight hours per year in support of law enforcement and homeland security missions and has accumulated close to 180,000 hours on MD500 series alone.
Well done to the entire Houston ASD crew.
HM