NEW YORK (PIX11) -- PIX11 News got a look at what it takes to be part of the NYPD's Flying Finest.
The crews make daring sea rescues and relay critical suspect information to officers on the ground.
This month, they added a half-dozen new members.
Staffed from Floyd Bennett Field 24 hours a day, they can respond in five minutes anywhere in the city.
Their high-flying myriad of missions spans the five boroughs, from relaying critical information over a recent highway pursuit to tracking and tackling armed suspects running through the streets.
"We're their support if people jump out of a car if it's a vehicle foot pursuit," said commanding pilot Lt. John Biscarri. The bad guys will have a tough time trying to outrun NYPD cops in the skies.
Seven aircraft equipped with critical technology were used Friday morning after a young girl went missing in Brooklyn for nearly 24 hours.
"It's one of the only fields in the NYPD that requires prior experience," Lt. Biscarri explained.
Detective Chris Catapana is pursuing his passion for policing and flying and joined the unit this month. The second-generation cop is one of three new pilots still studying before hitting the skies.
Recruits spend up to a year in the flight simulator and get to know the equipment in the hangar before they can take control of the pilot's seat.
"I look forward to flying for the best police department in the world," says Det. Catapana.
His future office has the greatest views in the world. A job perks the sixty members do not take for granted. But I say it is even better when they save a life.
"It feels pretty good. These guys, not me, there are a lot of heroes," said Lt. Biscarri.
Article From:
pix11.com
English (US) ·