Lake County Sheriff Department Aviation Unit

06/16/2023

What an amazing week of training. Our 4 pilots completed 4 days of aerial firefighting with Helicopter Training Institute.

04/13/2023

Yesterday afternoon local fire departments requested our assistance with a large brush fire on the northside of US 12. The UH1 (Huey) was deployed and staged out of the Indiana National Guard facility at the Gary Airport to set up the helicopter for bambi bucket operations. Our crew dropped 20 bucket on the quickly spreading fire. Great work by all the ground units fighting this fast moving fire.

09/30/2022

08/09/2022

BEACH HAZARDS are now in effect.
For current wave conditions, visit https://www.weather.gov/greatlakes/beachhazards
For emergencies, call 1-800-PARK-TIP (800) 727-5847 or 911.

Please keep in mind that although the weather seems nice, wave conditions can still be unsafe for swimming. Always check wave conditions before making a decision to swim in Lake Michigan.
*Here are some quick tips about escaping a rip current:

IF CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT
♦ Don't fight the current

♦ Swim out of the current, then to shore

♦ If you can't escape, float or tread water

♦ If you need help, call or wave for assistance
SAFETY
♦ Know how to swim

♦ Never swim alone
♦ Bring a life-vest

♦ If in doubt, don't go out
*Even the strongest swimmers can get swept into the rip current and drown.

More information about rip currents can be found at the following websites: www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov and www.usla.org
Learn more about beach safety by visiting our safety page at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/safety.htm
Remember, there are plenty of things to do at the park besides swimming and the rest of the weekend, like hiking, enjoying a picnic, or joining one of the ranger-led programs, which you can check out here on our events page at https://www.facebook.com/IndianaDunesNPS/events/ or our website at https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
Image: Satellite photo graphic of southern Lake Michigan illustrating current hazardous wave conditions.

07/18/2022

https://www.abqjournal.com/2516960/four-killed-after-bcso-helicopter-crashes-near-las-vegas.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0yFRGAnxqY88TLvAV-PiaIF6MYkgcebI7GacaveLl9cPAjGt2aEXKH2Qo #

Agency says three from sheriff's office and one Bernalillo County firefighter were heading back to Albuquerque after assisting in fire suppression efforts when crash occurred

07/17/2022

Our prayers are with the family's of the lost crew members.

𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡

This evening we learned that one of our aircraft, Metro 2, was involved in a crash near Las Vegas, NM. Preliminary information indicates that 3 BCSO personnel and 1 Bernalillo County Fire Department employee were onboard at the time of the crash. There are no known survivors. These personnel were headed back to Albuquerque after assisting fire crews with the East Mesa Fire.

Representatives from BCSO are on scene along with the New Mexico State Police. At this time the investigation into this incident is in its preliminary stages. As we learn further details we will provide them through official press releases like this one. Please keep these individuals and their families in your thoughts and prayers tonight.

07/06/2022

In light of current events in our region and across the country, and with so many upcoming events like parades, festivals and concerts, I feel it’s important that I share the following information from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department as we continue to take a proactive approach to public safety:

We are meeting with FBI experts in domestic terrorism as well as police administration and special operations leadership from police departments across Lake County, Indiana to solidify framework for response to critical incidents.

Our Special Events Emergency Action Plan includes tactical elements to neutralize an active shooter while minimizing danger to the public. We will routinely activate this plan for any special event for which we have conducted a threat assessment and we have determined that there is a potential threat to public safety.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department will use every resource available including technology and surveillance that will help assist us in ensuring the safety of the public. There are elements of our intelligence and surveillance efforts which cannot be discussed for security reasons.

We are constantly monitoring intelligence with our federal and local law enforcement partners. We routinely add security for major events. Our upcoming meeting will help finalize plans for additional security and surveillance for concerts and several other large-scale public events in our area.

My message to the public is, “be vigilant”. If residents see unusual items, situations or any suspicious activity they should immediately report it to police security or other local law enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security’s See Something, Say Something campaign has valuable resources to help members of the public identify suspicious activity. I feel it’s important to share this information as a way the public can help take part in promoting safety.

We have seen the aftermath of unspeakable tragedy in communities close to home. Nevertheless, we should not allow these acts of violence to adversely affect our quality of life. As we attend public events like parades and festivals, let’s be observant of our surroundings and take precautions when necessary.

-Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.

06/29/2022

https://www.facebook.com/Lake-County-Sheriffs-Department-Underwater-Recovery-and-Rescue-Unit-110846328319113/

The Lake County (IN) Sheriff's Department Underwater Recovery and Rescue Unit was established to serve the communities of Lake County Indiana as well as surrounding communities in water related operations and emergencies.