With a limited membership of 20 active volunteers, the Aero Squadron consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds, including former military personnel, airline pilots, and air ambulance specialists.

This year marks a significant milestone for the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Aero Squadron as it proudly celebrates 60 years of dedicated service to the community. Founded on April 13, 1966, the Aero Squadron emerged from a vision by Sheriff Bob Humphrey, who recognized the need for aerial support in search and rescue operations throughout the mountainous regions of Ormsby County.

The mission of the Aero Squadron has remained steadfast over the decades, focusing on:

– Extending service to the Sheriff’s Office and the Carson City community whenever called upon.
– Maintaining readiness to serve in various capacities.
– Collaborating with the FAA to promote safe flying practices.
– Fostering camaraderie among members.
– Advancing the science of aviation and safe flying.

With a limited membership of 20 active volunteers, the Aero Squadron consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds, including former military personnel, airline pilots, and air ambulance specialists. Each member contributes their time, aircraft, and expertise to benefit the community, ensuring swift responses to emergencies when directed by the Carson City Sheriff’s Office.

Since its inception, the squadron has logged over 28,300 volunteer hours, completed more than 400 air missions, and amassed 950 flight hours in service to the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and the community up to December 1, 2025. Typical missions today include:

– Search and Rescue operations, supporting both ground units and mounted volunteers
– Prisoner transports
– Aerial communications and surveillance

Despite challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Aero Squadron remained committed to its mission, ensuring a continuous ability to respond to emergencies.

Training is a cornerstone of the squadron’s operational readiness. Members undergo rigorous training through the FAA’s WINGS program, supplemented by the Civil Air Patrol’s Mountain Search Pilot Course Guide. This commitment to training ensures that pilots are prepared to mobilize within minutes of a dispatch request. On numerous occasions, the squadron has successfully launched aircraft with pilot and observer in the air within 15 minutes of receiving a call.

Looking ahead, the Aero Squadron is dedicated to continuing its vital support for the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, the community, and the State of Nevada. As they celebrate six decades of service, the members of the Aero Squadron remain committed to their mission, ready to answer the call whenever needed.