History
The origin of the Air Section dates back as far as October 1, 1969. Former Chief of Police Merrell R. Kirkpatrick received approval from city officials to earmark a portion of the Department's annual budget for the purchase of a police helicopter. The helicopter program was devised as the focal point of a corrective "Action Program" designed to immediately and effectively combat increasing crime. On February 1, 1970, Chief Kirkpatrick and then-Air Section Commander/Chief Pilot Lieutenant Walter B. Shive flew the Department's first helicopter, a Hughes Model 300B, back to Wichita from Long Beach, California. During it's first year of operation, the Unit was comprised of two helicopters and six personnel, and operated two evening shifts. Today, the Air Section consists of one MD500E helicopter and four personnel, who operate staggered day and evening shifts.
Original members of the Air Section amidst construction of the WPD Heliport and Helicopter Unit operations facility.
Chief Kirkpatrick being interviewed by news media upon arrival at the WPD Heliport after he and Lieutenant Shive flew the Wichita Police Department's first helicopter home to Wichita.
The Air Section's original two helicopters: Hughes Model 300B (N9548F) - left, and Hughes Model 300B (N9554F) - right.
Since its formation, and for more than three decades, the Air Section has offered an unequaled three-dimensional support capability by providing back-up and cover assistance for ground units.
The Air Section's past fleet of helicopters: Hughes Model 300C (N8968F) - left, and Schweizer Model 300C (N271DG) - right.
An Air Section helicopter crew keeps a watchful eye on the city below from high atop their lofty perch over the Wichita skyline.
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