Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!  

In this two-part series, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with the 2024 Airborne  

Public Safety Aviation Association's Tactical Flight Officer of the Year award recipient, Senior Deputy Eric Johnson, and Sergeant Jerry Hunter, from the Kings County (California) Sheriff’s Office.  

 Eric and Jerry discuss the award, their backgrounds in law enforcement, the establishment of their air support unit, and the critical role of aviation in enhancing canine operations and overall public safety within Kings County.  

 The conversation highlights the importance of the ongoing development of operational strategies for effective air support. Eric and Jerry emphasize the significance of transparency, the commitment to excellence and hard work, and the impact of their operations on public safety.  

 They also discuss the pride taken in maintaining aircraft and facilities and the role of leadership in fostering a positive culture within their program. 

 The Hangar Z would like to congratulate Eric for earning the APSA TFO of the Year Award and acknowledge him for his dedication to public safety aviation and the example he sets as a tactical flight officer.

Thank you to our sponsors Astronautics Corporation of America, Bell, and Spectrum Aeromed.