LAPD Air Support Division Hosts Annual Public Safety Aviation Exercise to Enhance Regional Disaster Planning and Coordination NR24297bb/jf

Over 200 takeoffs and landings planned throughout the day

LOS ANGELES - Today, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) Air Support Division (ASD) hosted its Annual Public Safety Aviation Exercise at the Jay Stephen Hooper Memorial Heliport in downtown Los Angeles.

Participating agencies arranged themselves in a holding pattern over the downtown skyline, landing at the heliport to practice dropping off and picking up supplies. In a real-life scenario, agencies might need to deliver supplies or transport critical personnel-such as the Mayor, Chief of Police, or others essential to maintaining government services and order-in case of a major disaster.

Locally and affectionately known as the "Chili Fly-In," the exercise includes a tradition of sharing homemade chili prepared by each participating agency, helping to feed those involved. This tradition serves as a means of fostering connections and is a point of pride for ASD personnel, adding a sense of camaraderie to the exercise.

"While we add some levity to the event by incorporating chili, make no mistake, this annual exercise not only enhances our disaster-response capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to ensuring the highest levels of preparedness," said Captain James Lopez, Commanding Officer of LAPD's Air Support Division. "This exercise gives us the chance to engage in crucial training that could provide tactical support for our officers on the ground in the event of a catastrophic event and help keep our communities safe."

Over the years, the list of attendees has grown to include agencies from as far north as Santa Barbara, as far south as San Diego, and as far east as the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. Also participating are police departments from Pasadena, Ontario, Pomona, and Huntington Beach, as well as the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the U.S. Navy, and Customs and Border Patrol.

Originally started in 1983, this event unites airborne law enforcement teams and support personnel from across Southern California. The goal is to practice the coordination of aviation assets for transporting personnel and resources in the event that a man-made or natural disaster disrupts or disables the local ground transportation network. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the exercise evolved into an essential platform for ASD personnel and partner agencies to develop coordinated response strategies.

With 200 planned landings and takeoffs throughout the day, the Hooper Memorial Heliport will serve as a vital transportation hub, making it one of the busiest airports in Southern California.