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Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. Today we're bringing you a very special episode, as we welcome two guests who have been behind the scenes throughout our law enforcement careers — and throughout the journey of this podcast — our wives, Shawna Gray, also known as Mrs. Z, and Tracy Schonely. For years, they've experienced policing from a perspective few people outside of law enforcement truly understand. In this candid conversation, we discuss what it's really like to be the spouse of a police officer, the sacrifices that come with the profession, and what it takes to build a marriage and raise a family while navigating the demands, stress, and uncertainty of a law enforcement career. Shawna and Tracy share their perspectives on balancing family life, handling long hours and missed holidays, and supporting their husbands through both the everyday challenges and some of the most critical incidents Jon and Jack experienced during their careers. Their insight offers a powerful reminder that behind every badge is a family serving alongside the officer. We also take some time to reflect on the past year of the Hangar Z Podcast, sharing some of our favorite guests, memorable moments, and the stories that have inspired us along the way. Whether you're in public safety, married to someone who is, or simply want to better understand the family side of the profession, this is an honest and heartfelt conversation you won't want to miss.  Thank you to our sponsors CENTUM, Metro Aviation and Spectrolab.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. This episode was recorded on location at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s (SBCSD’s) hangar, immediately following their 2026 training fly-in. Host Jon Gray sits down with returning guests Doug Brimmer (SBCSD) and RJ Garwood (retired Huntington Beach Police Department pilot) to discuss interagency coordination, crash survivability, and the long road of recovery. Most air support teams train for the mission, not the aftermath. RJ shares candid reflections on surviving the Feb. 19, 2022 helicopter crash that claimed the life of tactical flight officer Nick Vella.  Together, they break down essential survival lessons (from dunker training and helicopter emergency egress device (HEEDS) bottles to egress planning when injured or disoriented) while exploring what it truly takes to build interagency trust and support crew members through the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of trauma. Content note: This episode includes candid discussions of a fatal aviation accident, serious injury, grief, trauma, and recovery. Listener discretion is advised. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, CNC Technologies and Trakka Systems.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. We're coming to you from the show floor at ECHO 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where we're joined by Kenny Hall and Cody Klaehn from Dallas Avionics. Although they took very different paths to get there, both have become familiar faces throughout the law enforcement aviation community — whether at trade shows, training events, fly ins, or supporting agencies as trusted partners. Dallas Avionics has long been a strong supporter of public safety aviation, including sponsoring the Airborne Tactical Solutions course. In this episode, we talk about their unique career journeys, common communications system troubleshooting, the latest technology available to law enforcement aviation crews, and the importance of building lasting partnerships with the agencies they serve. We hope you enjoy the conversation. Thank you to our sponsors Robinson Helicopter,  Summit Aviation and Trakka Systems.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. We're coming to you from the show floor at ECHO 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where we're joined by Kenny Hall and Cody Klaehn from Dallas Avionics. Although they took very different paths to get there, both have become familiar faces throughout the law enforcement aviation community — whether at trade shows, training events, fly ins, or supporting agencies as trusted partners. Dallas Avionics has long been a strong supporter of public safety aviation, including sponsoring the Airborne Tactical Solutions course. In this episode, we talk about their unique career journeys, common communications system troubleshooting, the latest technology available to law enforcement aviation crews, and the importance of building lasting partnerships with the agencies they serve. We hope you enjoy the conversation. Thank you to our sponsors Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, Robinson Helicopter and Summit Aviation.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. In this special two-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Jeff Ratkovich explore how modern public safety agencies can overcome critical work force development hurdles. Joined by Roe Conn, chief of strategic initiatives for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and Ryan Harbison, president and CEO of Helicopters Inc., the discussion dives into Cook County’s historic launch of a premier aviation unit after a 50-year absence. Through an innovative public-private partnership, the agency was able to deploy a Bell 429 that flew 1,100 hours in its inaugural year with a near-perfect readiness rate. Part one examines the industry-wide workforce crisis from shrinking recruitment pools to impending retirements and how turnkey operational models offer a viable solution. By leveraging Helicopters Inc.’s commercial infrastructure, dedicated on-site maintenance, and experienced contractor pilots, Cook County bypassed years of training delays and unpredictable maintenance costs. Part two shifts the focus to tactical execution, community impact, and the politics of standing up an public safety aviation unit. Conn shares hard data illustrating the program’s return on investment, including massive reductions in regional carjackings, the recovery of dozens of missing persons, and safer pursuit resolutions. The conversation ends with key lessons on inter-agency collaboration, crew integration, and winning public trust through transparent messaging, this series serves as an essential blueprint for any agency looking to build, modernize, or sustain an effective aviation unit. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Precision Aviation Group and SHOTOVER

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. In this special two-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jon Gray and Jeff Ratkovich explore how modern public safety agencies can overcome critical work force development hurdles. Joined by Roe Conn, chief of strategic initiatives for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and Ryan Harbison, president and CEO of Helicopters Inc., the discussion dives into Cook County’s historic launch of a premier aviation unit after a 50-year absence. Through an innovative public-private partnership, the agency was able to deploy a Bell 429 that flew 1,100 hours in its inaugural year with a near-perfect readiness rate. Part one examines the industry-wide workforce crisis from shrinking recruitment pools to impending retirements and how turnkey operational models offer a viable solution. By leveraging Helicopters Inc.’s commercial infrastructure, dedicated on-site maintenance, and experienced contractor pilots, Cook County bypassed years of training delays and unpredictable maintenance costs. Part two shifts the focus to tactical execution, community impact, and the politics of standing up an public safety aviation unit. Conn shares hard data illustrating the program’s return on investment, including massive reductions in regional carjackings, the recovery of dozens of missing persons, and safer pursuit resolutions. The conversation ends with key lessons on inter-agency collaboration, crew integration, and winning public trust through transparent messaging, this series serves as an essential blueprint for any agency looking to build, modernize, or sustain an effective aviation unit. Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, SHOTOVER and Spectrolab. Helicopter photo courtesy of Elijah Ewing-Scurlock, Managing Director, Midwest Expression Media LLC.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. In this episode, we're joined by Chief Brandon Gillespie of the Modesto Police Department. Building on our previous conversations in Episodes 372 and 373 with Lieutenant Hicks and Lieutenant Souza, we take a closer look at the leadership behind the department's success.  Chief Gillespie shares how proactive policing has contributed to a dramatic reduction in crime, the vision and challenges of creating an air support unit, and the critical role aviation plays in supporting officers and keeping the community safe. It's an insightful conversation on leadership, innovation, and the value of investing in public safety. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, CENTUM and Metro Aviation.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. Celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Hangar Z Podcast, host Jack Schonely steps into the lead chair, alongside Jon Gray, for a comprehensive two-part panel dedicated to one of the most critical, yet frequently overlooked, elements of airborne public safety: Internal and external unit marketing.  Joined by industry veteran Terry Miyauchi of TM Consulting, Sgt Wade Bourassa of the Saskatoon Police Service, and Kyle Fields, integrated marketing manager at Bell, the group dives deep into what it truly takes to justify, protect, and expand an aviation program in today’s political and fiscal landscape. Far beyond the day-to-day tactical missions, long-term operational survival hinges on shifting away from the traditional "quiet professional" mindset to actively educate decision-makers, city councils, command staff, and the citizens they serve. Across this special series, the panel explores how to craft compelling narratives out of raw data, revealing why highlighting operational limitations and missed missions can often carry far more political leverage than routine success stories.  The discussion unpacks practical, field-tested marketing strategies, ranging from using short-form video and strategic social media engagement to cut through red tape, to breaking down bureaucratic walls by flying key city stakeholders including finance, IT, economic development, and fire services.  Crucially, the conversation reinforces that no public relations campaign can survive without baseline operational credibility. Drawing parallels to elite special operations aviation, the panel emphasizes that air support is fundamentally about customer service: Cultivating ground-unit trust, staying in your lane, and recognizing that word-of-mouth reputation among patrol officers will always remain an air unit's most powerful advocate. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, MD Helicopters and Wysong Enterprises.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. Celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Hangar Z Podcast, host Jack Schonely steps into the lead chair, alongside Jon Gray, for a comprehensive two-part panel dedicated to one of the most critical, yet frequently overlooked, elements of airborne public safety: Internal and external unit marketing.  Joined by industry veteran Terry Miyauchi of TM Consulting, Sgt Wade Bourassa of the Saskatoon Police Service, and Kyle Fields, integrated marketing manager at Bell, the group dives deep into what it truly takes to justify, protect, and expand an aviation program in today’s political and fiscal landscape. Far beyond the day-to-day tactical missions, long-term operational survival hinges on shifting away from the traditional "quiet professional" mindset to actively educate decision-makers, city councils, command staff, and the citizens they serve. Across this special series, the panel explores how to craft compelling narratives out of raw data, revealing why highlighting operational limitations and missed missions can often carry far more political leverage than routine success stories.  The discussion unpacks practical, field-tested marketing strategies, ranging from using short-form video and strategic social media engagement to cut through red tape, to breaking down bureaucratic walls by flying key city stakeholders including finance, IT, economic development, and fire services.  Crucially, the conversation reinforces that no public relations campaign can survive without baseline operational credibility. Drawing parallels to elite special operations aviation, the panel emphasizes that air support is fundamentally about customer service: Cultivating ground-unit trust, staying in your lane, and recognizing that word-of-mouth reputation among patrol officers will always remain an air unit's most powerful advocate. Thank you to our sponsors BLR Aerospace, Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch and Robinson Helicopter.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Vertical Plus editor-at-large Brent Bundy and Delaware State Police aviation commander Jeff Whitmarsh for a conversation about leadership, trust, and developing a high-performing multi-mission aviation unit. We break down the foundational frameworks driving excellence, including the pivotal reset that shifted Jeff’s philosophy from authority to consistency. Discover the LEAD model guiding every flight: Lead with integrity, Execute with precision, Aid with compassion, and Defend with courage. Also, learn why Delaware State Police embeds pilots directly into tactical flight officer (TFO) training to ensure seamless cross-mission execution. Finally, Jeff highlights two transformative programs redefining community engagement and responder wellness. Learn how the Elevate Initiative provides children with disabilities eye-level access to aircraft via custom ramps, and how the Care and Connect program reunites flight crews with surviving patients and families — turning past trauma into closure, while combating first responder burnout. If you care about servant leadership and intentional culture, this two-part series is essential listening. Thank you to our sponsors Bell, BLR Aerospace and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Vertical Plus editor-at-large Brent Bundy and Delaware State Police aviation commander Jeff Whitmarsh for a conversation about leadership, trust, and developing a high-performing multi-mission aviation unit. We break down the foundational frameworks driving excellence, including the pivotal reset that shifted Jeff’s philosophy from authority to consistency. Discover the LEAD model guiding every flight: Lead with integrity, Execute with precision, Aid with compassion, and Defend with courage. Also, learn why Delaware State Police embeds pilots directly into tactical flight officer (TFO) training to ensure seamless cross-mission execution. Finally, Jeff highlights two transformative programs redefining community engagement and responder wellness. Learn how the Elevate Initiative provides children with disabilities eye-level access to aircraft via custom ramps, and how the Care and Connect program reunites flight crews with surviving patients and families — turning past trauma into closure, while combating first responder burnout. If you care about servant leadership and intentional culture, this two-part series is essential listening. Thank you to our sponsors Bell, CNC Technologies and SHOTOVER.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. Today’s episode was recorded at the Vertical Valor Plus booth, on the floor of APSCON in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We are honored to welcome Wade Bourassa, pilot and supervisor of the Saskatoon Police Aviation Unit. Wade is the 2026 recipient of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Robert L. Cormier Memorial Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to advancing law enforcement aviation. While Wade has built an exceptional career serving the Saskatoon Police Service, his impact extends far beyond his own unit. Through his willingness to mentor others, share his expertise, provide instruction, and offer guidance, he has helped strengthen aviation programs across both Canada and the United States. Join us as we discuss Wade's career, his passion for public safety aviation, and the leadership and dedication that earned him one of the profession's highest honors. Thank you to our sponsors Dallas Avionics, Robinson Helicopter and Wysong Enterprises.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. Today’s episode was recorded at the Vertical Valor Plus booth, on the floor of APSCON in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We are honored to welcome Wade Bourassa, pilot and supervisor of the Saskatoon Police Aviation Unit. Wade is the 2026 recipient of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Robert L. Cormier Memorial Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to advancing law enforcement aviation. While Wade has built an exceptional career serving the Saskatoon Police Service, his impact extends far beyond his own unit. Through his willingness to mentor others, share his expertise, provide instruction, and offer guidance, he has helped strengthen aviation programs across both Canada and the United States. Join us as we discuss Wade's career, his passion for public safety aviation, and the leadership and dedication that earned him one of the profession's highest honors. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, MD Helicopters and SHOTOVER.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by L.A. City Fire Department (LAFD) pilot and safety officer Joel Smith for an inside look at the high-stakes world of LAFD Air Operations. Joel breaks down the tactical precision and intense training required to battle massive, wind-driven California wildfires like the Palisades in the Leonardo AW139, navigate extreme downdrafts in the Santa Anas, and manage chaotic multi-agency airspace stacks.  He also details the unique, demanding pathway of promoting from firefighter to mission-command pilot, highlighting the partnership and high standards shared with LAPD Air Support. The conversation takes a deep dive into modern aviation safety management systems (SMS), root-cause hazard analysis, and the danger of operational complacency. Drawing from his role as unit safety officer, Joel explains how he is working on the industry-wide challenge of fatigue management through data, objective readiness scores, and his company, Hero Aviation.  By bridging operational experience with smart technology, Joel is helping crews across public safety make safer, data-backed go/no-go decisions. Connect with Joel Smith & Hero Aviation: Website: heroaviationusa.com Instagram: @heroaviationusa Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation,  Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch,  and Precision Aviation Group.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by L.A. City Fire Department (LAFD) pilot and safety officer Joel Smith for an inside look at the high-stakes world of LAFD Air Operations. Joel breaks down the tactical precision and intense training required to battle massive, wind-driven California wildfires like the Palisades in the Leonardo AW139, navigate extreme downdrafts in the Santa Anas, and manage chaotic multi-agency airspace stacks.  He also details the unique, demanding pathway of promoting from firefighter to mission-command pilot, highlighting the partnership and high standards shared with LAPD Air Support. The conversation takes a deep dive into modern aviation safety management systems (SMS), root-cause hazard analysis, and the danger of operational complacency. Drawing from his role as unit safety officer, Joel explains how he is working on the industry-wide challenge of fatigue management through data, objective readiness scores, and his company, Hero Aviation.  By bridging operational experience with smart technology, Joel is helping crews across public safety make safer, data-backed go/no-go decisions. Connect with Joel Smith & Hero Aviation: Website: heroaviationusa.com Instagram: @heroaviationusa Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation.