Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this inspiring episode, co-hosts Jeff Ratkovich and Jon Gray sit down with Dave Salem, a legendary figure in the law enforcement aviation community. Together, they explore Dave's remarkable journey from police officer to pilot in the Mesa Police Department's air unit, influenced greatly by his father, an Air Force pilot. The conversation delves into captivating locations like Sycamore Creek and Alpine, Wyoming, and reflec...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 210
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county. Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuance...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county. Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuance...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 208
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This is a special two-part series Hangar Z co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray recorded with Virginia State Police pilots Jeff Bush and Brian Canada. This conversation highlights their heroic rescue mission that successfully saved 54 individuals from a hospital engulfed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene impacted the entire southeastern portion of the United States. In this series, we talk about the bra...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 207
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This is a special two-part series Hangar Z co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray recorded with Virginia State Police pilots Jeff Bush and Brian Canada. This conversation highlights their heroic rescue mission that successfully saved 54 individuals from a hospital engulfed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene impacted the entire southeastern portion of the United States. In this series, we talk about the bra...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 206
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Lt Steve Farris from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. Lt Farris shares his unique journey, tracing his early interest in law enforcement and aviation, alongside his family history that shaped his career path. Lt Farris discusses his progression from patrol officer to helicopter pilot and eventually earning the title ...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 205
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of the Hangar Z Podcast, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Lt Steve Farris from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section. Lt Farris shares his unique journey, tracing his early interest in law enforcement and aviation, alongside his family history that shaped his career path. Lt Farris discusses his progression from patrol officer to helicopter pilot and eventually earning the title ...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 204
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this engaging two-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast, Tony Webber and Jon Gray welcome Dale Head, a seasoned expert in aerial firefighting. With a rich background in both the fire service and aviation, Dale shares his journey and insights into the high-stakes world of aerial firefighting. The conversation kicks off with Dale’s experiences in the field, highlighting the vital role of air attack in initial fire responses a...
Oct 24, 2024•53 min•Ep. 203
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this engaging two-part series of the Hangar Z Podcast, Tony Webber and Jon Gray welcome Dale Head, a seasoned expert in aerial firefighting. With a rich background in both the fire service and aviation, Dale shares his journey and insights into the high-stakes world of aerial firefighting. The conversation kicks off with Dale’s experiences in the field, highlighting the vital role of air attack in initial fire responses a...
Oct 21, 2024•52 min•Ep. 202
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this landmark two-part series celebrating our 200th episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have the honor of welcoming Kevin Means, a legendary figure in law enforcement aviation, and the familiar voice you hear at the beginning of every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast. This special series dives deep into Kevin's unforgettable, “Don't go over that fence,”incident, illuminating its significant impact on public safety. J...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 201
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this landmark two-part series celebrating our 200th episode, hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray have the honor of welcoming Kevin Means, a legendary figure in law enforcement aviation, and the familiar voice you hear at the beginning of every episode of The Hangar Z Podcast. This special series dives deep into Kevin's unforgettable, “Don't go over that fence,”incident, illuminating its significant impact on public safety. J...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 200
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., from the D.C. Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. The road tour included visits to some of North America’s public safety aviation units, showcasing some of the heroes who exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schonley, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor magazine and Jon ...
Oct 10, 2024•57 min
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded on location in Washington, D.C., from the D.C. Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. The road tour included visits to some of North America’s public safety aviation units, showcasing some of the heroes who exemplify courage, dedication, and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schonley, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor magazine and Jon ...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 198
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Vertical Valor ’s Scott Dworkin and Jon Gray visit the Kern County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit at their hangar in Bakersfield, California. While there, we witnessed the operation of their impressive aviation program. During the podcast, we discuss the evolution of their aviation program, the aircraft they fly, the missions they support, and the challenges they face in operation...
Sep 26, 2024•53 min•Ep. 197
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, Vertical Valor ’s Scott Dworkin and Jon Gray visit the Kern County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit at their hangar in Bakersfield, California. While there, we witnessed the operation of their impressive aviation program. During the podcast, we discuss the evolution of their aviation program, the aircraft they fly, the missions they support, and the challenges they face in operation...
Sep 23, 2024•54 min•Ep. 196
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two part panel style conversation, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray bring you a unique conversation featuring a Canadian panel of public safety aviation experts. Together, they share their diverse backgrounds and experiences, shedding light on the vital roles they play within the public safety aviation community. Our discussion revolves around the importance of training and skill development, particularly for tactical flig...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 195
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In this two part panel style conversation, Jack Schonely and Jon Gray bring you a unique conversation featuring a Canadian panel of public safety aviation experts. Together, they share their diverse backgrounds and experiences, shedding light on the vital roles they play within the public safety aviation community. Our discussion revolves around the importance of training and skill development, particularly for tactical flig...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 194
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, Jack Schonely, Tony Webber and Jon Gray sit back down for a full-length interview with L.A. County Fire Pilot and 2024 HAI Pilot of the Year award recipient Mike Sagely. We cover a wide range of topics, from the profound impact a career in aviation can have on family life and mental health to the importance of mentorship and preparation for success. Join us as Mike shares his journey from serving as a...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 193
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! In this two-part series, Jack Schonely, Tony Webber and Jon Gray sit back down for a full-length interview with L.A. County Fire Pilot and 2024 HAI Pilot of the Year award recipient Mike Sagely. We cover a wide range of topics, from the profound impact a career in aviation can have on family life and mental health to the importance of mentorship and preparation for success. Join us as Mike shares his journey from serving as a...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 192
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This two-part series was recorded at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department hangar at San Bernardino International Airport in California. The conversation unfolds as we talk about their recent acquisition of the new Bell 412 EPX helicopter. Our guests, Sgt Jon Anderson, Deputy Doug Brimmer, and recently retired Lt now Reserve Deputy Pilot Danny Futscher, share their rich backgrounds in law enforcement and aviation, d...
Sep 05, 2024•47 min•Ep. 191
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This two-part series was recorded at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department hangar at San Bernardino International Airport in California. The conversation unfolds as we talk about their recent acquisition of the new Bell 412 EPX helicopter. Our guests, Sgt Jon Anderson, Deputy Doug Brimmer, and recently retired Lt now Reserve Deputy Pilot Danny Futscher, share their rich backgrounds in law enforcement and aviation, d...
Sep 02, 2024•51 min•Ep. 190
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded on location in Nashville from the Nashville Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. The road tour included visits to some of North America’s top public safety aviation units, showcasing heroes who exemplify courage, dedication and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schoney, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor Magazine and Jon Gray were inv...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 189
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! This episode was recorded on location in Nashville from the Nashville Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. The road tour included visits to some of North America’s top public safety aviation units, showcasing heroes who exemplify courage, dedication and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schoney, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor Magazine and Jon Gray were inv...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 188
Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! We are excited to bring an exciting and insightful two-part series on The Hangar Z Podcast as we explore the with Lieutenant Patrick Lawrence and Sergeant Nick Olivo. Lieutenant Patrick Lawrence is a distinguished aviation professional with a rich background in both military and civilian aviation. Lt. Lawrence holds a bachelor of science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has completed p...
Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 187
Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! We are excited to bring an exciting and insightful two-part series on The Hangar Z Podcast as we explore the with Lieutenant Patrick Lawrence and Sergeant Nick Olivo. Lieutenant Patrick Lawrence is a distinguished aviation professional with a rich background in both military and civilian aviation. Lt. Lawrence holds a bachelor of science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has completed p...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 186
Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! We are beyond excited to celebrate the fourth anniversary of The Hangar Z Podcast with a truly powerful two-part series! This milestone wouldn't be complete without bringing you two exceptional guests: James Hatch and Alan Mack. James Hatch, a retired Navy SEAL, best-selling author of the book Touching the Dragon , founder of Spike's K9 Fund and recent Yale graduate, joins us to share his incredible journey. From daring missi...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 185
Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS! We are beyond excited to celebrate the fourth anniversary of The Hangar Z Podcast with a truly powerful two-part series! This milestone wouldn't be complete without bringing you two exceptional guests: James Hatch and Alan Mack. James Hatch, a retired Navy SEAL, best-selling author of the book Touching the Dragon , founder of Spike's K9 Fund and recent Yale graduate, joins us to share his incredible journey. From daring missi...
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 184
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In today's episode, we're honored to feature Hans Almaraz, a distinguished law enforcement officer with a career spanning more than three decades. Hans was raised in San Dimas, California, and after high school he worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT). It was during this time, while working rescues with L.A. County Sheriff Air 5, that he first developed an interest in law enforcement. Hans's journey with the Los An...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 183
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS ! In today's episode, we're honored to feature Hans Almaraz, a distinguished law enforcement officer with a career spanning more than three decades. Hans was raised in San Dimas, California, and after high school he worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT). It was during this time, while working rescues with L.A. County Sheriff Air 5, that he first developed an interest in law enforcement. Hans's journey with the Los An...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 182
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! Thank you to CNC Technologies for sponsoring this special in-person interview that was recorded just prior to the Heli Expo 2024. The expo was held in Anaheim California, this recording took place in beautiful Beverly Hills California at the famous Lou Mar Restaurant. CNC Technologies has assembled an impressive team of distinguished public safety aviators. During this two part series I got the opportunity to talk to their t...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 181
