December 12, 2022

New Milford Delegation Flies with New Milford Police Aviation Unit

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Photo (from left to right): Captain Al Wilcoxson, State Rep. Cindy Harrison, Crew Member and Vice Preseident Charles Brady, State Rep. Stephen Harding, State Rep. Pat Callahan, State Rep. Bill Buckbee, and New Milford Chief of Police Spencer Cerruto.

NEW MILFORD – New Milford Police’s Aviation Unit and Eagle Search and Rescue Team hosted the New Milford legislative delegation on Thursday, December 8, for an in-depth look at the aviation program and a short flight around the region. The program, which is privately funded, is one that legislators will be looking to as blueprint for additional departments to access statewide. Legislators in attendance included State Reps. Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford), Pat Callahan (R-New Fairfield), Cindy Harrison (R-Southbury), and Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield).

“I want to thank the New Milford Police Department and their partners with Eagle Search and Rescue for the education on their operations and for the invitation to see the district from a different point of view. It was an incredible experience to fly on board ‘Eagle 1’ and learn first-hand how various missions are accomplished. I look forward to working Chief Cerruto, Mayor Bass and the aviation team as we turn to the upcoming legislative session,” said State Rep. Bill Buckbee.

“I appreciate the New Milford Police Aviation Unit and Eagle Search and Rescue for opening their operation up for us to gain a first-hand look at the skill, knowledge and expertise they have to assist local emergency responders and others,” Rep. Harrison said. “It was quite an experience to see them in action.”

“Thank you to the New Milford Police Aviation, and Chief Cerruto for taking the entire delegation in in ‘Huey’ (Bell UH-1 Iroquois) helicopter to see our districts from the air and talk about the search and rescue capabilities of this unique program,” said Rep. Callahan

“It was a great honor to have been able to witness this incredible aspect of the New Milford Police Department which provides critical emergency and rescue services to the town and surrounding community,” said Rep. Harding. “Thank you as always to our police and first responders for all they do.”

According to the New Milford Police Department, access to the helicopters gives its officers unique access to:

Surveillance & photographic missions
Counter Drug Missions
Special Operations Drills, Orientations, & Training
Search & Rescue of lost boats and missing persons
Hi-Angle & Cold Water Rescues
Aerial command and control for critical incident management.
Nighttime lighting of accident scenes / Traffic Control
Disaster Relief / Environmental Support

To learn more about the Eagle Search and Rescue Team, you can visit www.eagle-1.com.

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