Wade Bourassa’s blueprint for smarter police aviation part 1 | 384

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.comInstagram: @heroaviationusaThank 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.comInstagram: @heroaviationusaThank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation.

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.comInstagram: @heroaviationusaThank 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.comInstagram: @heroaviationusaThank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation.

Welcome to this special joint episode of the Hangar Z Podcast and the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, brought to you by HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.In this special episode, Jon Gray of Hangar Z and Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale of the Valor Flight Crew, preview the 2026 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference.High-quality public safety aviation training doesn’t need a massive price tag. The 2026 ECHO Public Safety Aviation Conference is heading to Philadelphia Sept. 20 to 23 at the Sheraton Downtown.ECHO covers the full mission spectrum law enforcement aviation, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search-and-rescue, and aerial firefighting.This year features over 50 breakout sessions, hands-on workshops like underwater egress and cadaver labs, and a dedicated 16-hour Airborne Tactical Solutions course jointly taught by Clay Lacey and Jack Schonely for aircrews and ground teams.It’s practical, high-impact training—built by operators, for operators, and delivered at a price point agencies can support.This conversation breaks down why ECHO stands apart: Operator-built training, real-world relevance, and a rare chance to learn across every mission set under one roof. From law enforcement aviation and search-and-rescue to aerial firefighting, EMS, and tactical operations, ECHO is designed for crews who want practical skills they can use back home.You’ll discover:What makes the Clay Lacey and Jack Shonely airborne tactical solutions course such a can't-miss opportunity;How the breakout sessions expand into law enforcement, SAR, radio ops, human performance, leadership, and more;Why the Future Flight Crew and Future Flight Leaders programs are becoming a pipeline for the next generation of aviation professionals; andHow FAST and the Safety Team are changing the way the industry supports crew wellness, resilience, and operational safety.The conversation also covers the social side of ECHO in Philadelphia, including the welcome party, the 5K fundraiser, the down-for-weather bash, and why the city itself is worth an extra day or two. If you've never been to Philly, you'll get a few solid reasons to plan for more than conference hours—and maybe a cheesesteak or two.Just as important, this episode makes the stakes clear: Public safety aviation is evolving fast, leadership gaps are real, and the industry needs better training, better mentorship, and better ways to take care of its people. ECHO is one of the few places where all of that comes together in a single week.Essential listening if you're deciding whether to attend, bringing your team, or just want a clear picture of why so many crews call ECHO their favorite conference of the year.Thank you to our sponsors CNC Technologies, Dallas Avionics and Metro Aviation.

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. We're glad you're with us, because today we're pulling back the curtain on one of our favorite projects of the year—the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour through Florida.For this special episode, we've brought together the entire team that made the tour possible. Joining us are editor-at-large and photographer Brent Bundy; photographer and videographer Scott Kellerman; my co-host, Jon Gray; and I'm Jack Schonely. Together, we travelled across the Sunshine State, visiting four outstanding aviation units to capture their stories through photography, print, video, and, of course, the Hangar Z Podcast.Today, we're taking you behind the scenes to share what it really takes to produce a project like this. We'll talk about the incredible cooperation and hospitality we received from all four aviation units, the detailed planning and safety considerations behind coordinating air-to-air photo shoots, an unforgettable airboat ride through the Florida Everglades, and a few stories about the late nights—and plenty of laughs—we shared while staying together at a Vrbo in Clearwater.If you've ever wondered what goes into creating the content you see in Vertical Valor magazine, on Hangar Z, and across our social media platforms, this episode is for you. So sit back, buckle up, and join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour.To see the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour videos, check out these links:- Highlights from the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour w/ The Hangar Z Podcast- Blades of Valor - Leonardo AW139 – An in-flight podcast w/ Miami-Dade Fire Captain Jason Vanbuskirk- Helicopter Walkaround: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Bell 429 | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour- Helicopter Walkaround: U.S. Coast Guard’s MH-60T Jayhawk | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour- The Crew Behind Palm Beach Sheriff's Law Enforcement Helicopter Ops | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour- Helicopter Walkaround: Broward Sheriff Office’s Airbus H125 | 2026 Blades of Valor Roar TourThank you to our sponsors Airbus, CNC Technologies and SHOTOVER.

Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus. We're glad you're with us, because today we're pulling back the curtain on one of our favorite projects of the year—the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour through Florida.For this special episode, we've brought together the entire team that made the tour possible. Joining us are editor-at-large and photographer Brent Bundy; photographer and videographer Scott Kellerman; my co-host, Jon Gray; and I'm Jack Schonely. Together, we travelled across the Sunshine State, visiting four outstanding aviation units to capture their stories through photography, print, video, and, of course, the Hangar Z Podcast.Today, we're taking you behind the scenes to share what it really takes to produce a project like this. We'll talk about the incredible cooperation and hospitality we received from all four aviation units, the detailed planning and safety considerations behind coordinating air-to-air photo shoots, an unforgettable airboat ride through the Florida Everglades, and a few stories about the late nights—and plenty of laughs—we shared while staying together at a Vrbo in Clearwater.If you've ever wondered what goes into creating the content you see in Vertical Valor magazine, on Hangar Z, and across our social media platforms, this episode is for you. So sit back, buckle up, and join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour.To see the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour videos, check out these links:- Highlights from the 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour w/ The Hangar Z Podcast - Blades of Valor - Leonardo AW139 – An in-flight podcast w/ Miami-Dade Fire Captain Jason Vanbuskirk- Helicopter Walkaround: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Bell 429 | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour- Helicopter Walkaround: U.S. Coast Guard’s MH-60T Jayhawk | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour- The Crew Behind Palm Beach Sheriff's Law Enforcement Helicopter Ops | 2026 Blades of Valor Road Tour- Helicopter Walkaround: Broward Sheriff Office’s Airbus H125 | 2026 Blades of Valor Roar TourThank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Robinson Helicopter and Summit Aviation.