AVIATION UNIT

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit was established in 1974 with the purchase of three Bell 47G surplus helicopters. Since then, the Aviation Unit has grown into a multi-mission unit consisting of two Bell OH-58 surplus helicopters and two Bell 407 helicopter.

The two OH-58 helicopters are primarily utilized for training and law enforcement missions such as searching for wanted suspect(s), lost person(s), and surveillance. The two 407 helicopters are multi-mission helicopter that is capable of various missions such as firefighting, search and rescue (hoist), tactical insertions (SWAT), water insertions (Dive Team), and law enforcement missions.

Currently, the helicopters are equipped with FLIR 380X camera systems which provide advanced daytime and infrared capabilities, a Shotover Navigation System for situational awareness and map overlay features, and Trakkabeam searchlights.

The Aviation Unit is located at the Ocala International Airport and works closely with other local and state agencies to provide 24/7 coverage for the above-mentioned missions. The Aviation Unit consists of seven full-time crew members and six part-time crew members who are all certified Law Enforcement Officers as well as two full-time maintenance technician.