The Hangar Z Podcast
A podcast where we explore the personnel and equipment behind the missions in Public Safety Aviation.
Todd Jager Shares the Hard-Earned Lessons That Changed Aviation Tactics Part 2 | Ep 377
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
Today, we're honored to welcome retired San Diego Police Department Chief Pilot Todd Jager. Todd is a true aviation professional with more than 10,000 hours of rotorcraft flight time, over 1,000 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 4,100 hours as a Tactical Flight Officer.
Throughout his remarkable career, Todd played a pivotal role in training both pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Alongside his longtime partner, Kevin Means, he helped develop many of the FLIR tactics, techniques, Crew Resource Management...
Todd Jager Shares the Hard-Earned Lessons That Changed Aviation Tactics Part I | Ep 376
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
Today, we're honored to welcome retired San Diego Police Department Chief Pilot Todd Jager. Todd is a true aviation professional with more than 10,000 hours of rotorcraft flight time, over 1,000 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, and more than 4,100 hours as a Tactical Flight Officer.
Throughout his remarkable career, Todd played a pivotal role in training both pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Alongside his longtime partner, Kevin Means, he helped develop many of the FLIR tactics, techniques, Crew Resource Management...
Over the black ocean: Teamwork, determination, and the rescue of 3 survivors Part 2 | Ep 375
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
On today's episode, we're honored to welcome Deputy Jonathan Lazada and Deputy Chase Gomez of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Jonathan and Chase are the recipients of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Aircrew of the Year Award, as well as the FLIR Vision Award in the Life Saving category, recognizing their extraordinary efforts during a search that ultimately saved three lives.
What began as the search for a downed aircraft several miles offshore quickly became a...
Over the black ocean: Teamwork, determination, and the rescue of 3 survivors Part I | Ep 374
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.
On today's episode, we're honored to welcome Deputy Jonathan Lazada and Deputy Chase Gomez of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. Jonathan and Chase are the recipients of the Airborne Public Safety Association's Aircrew of the Year Award, as well as the FLIR Vision Award in the Life Saving category, recognizing their extraordinary efforts during a search that ultimately saved three lives.
What began as the search for a downed aircraft several miles offshore quickly became a...
How Has Modesto’s New Air Unit Made a Positive Impact on Public Safety? Part 2 | Ep 373
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
In this episode we are heading to Modesto, California, to hear how a brand-new air support unit was built from the ground up, and how it’s already changing the way the department fights crime, protects officers, and serves the community.
Lt Mike Hicks and Lt Kalani Souza were both involved from the opening decision to start an air unit. They share the process and the many challenges involved within funding, airframe choice, acquiring the airframe, and the...
How Has Modesto’s New Air Unit Made a Positive Impact on Public Safety? Part 1 | Ep 372
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
In this episode we are heading to Modesto, California, to hear how a brand-new air support unit was built from the ground up, and how it’s already changing the way the department fights crime, protects officers, and serves the community.
Lt Mike Hicks and Lt Kalani Souza were both involved from the opening decision to start an air unit. They share the process and the many challenges involved within funding, airframe choice, acquiring the airframe, and the...
What makes a tactical training legacy last for over 25 years? Part 2 | Ep 371
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Clay Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Harald Brink of the Dutch National Police to explore the 25-plus-year legacy of Jack Schonely’s tactical training.
From individual officer safety to agency-wide operations, Jack’s framework for apprehending fleeing suspects has become a global standard for pilots, tactical flight officers, and K-9 handlers alike.
In this episode, the group reflects on the l...
What makes a tactical training legacy last for over 25 years? Part 1 | Ep 370
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
In this special two-part series, hosts Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Clay Lacey of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Harald Brink of the Dutch National Police to explore the 25-plus-year legacy of Jack Schonely’s tactical training.
From individual officer safety to agency-wide operations, Jack’s framework for apprehending fleeing suspects has become a global standard for pilots, tactical flight officers, and K-9 handlers alike.
In this episode, the group reflects on the l...
Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Air Unit: Longline rescue and air support part 2 | EP 369
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
On today's episode, we're taking you to California's Central Valley as we visit the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit. Joining us are Deputy AJ Nikkel and Deputy Tyler Liburdi, who both serve as pilots and tactical flight officers.
We'll explore the fascinating evolution of their aviation unit—from its beginnings as a volunteer organization to the professional operation it is today.
We also discuss long-line rescue operations, the training and proficiency required to perf...
Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Air Unit: Longline rescue and air support part 1 | EP 368
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
On today's episode, we're taking you to California's Central Valley as we visit the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit. Joining us are Deputy AJ Nikkel and Deputy Tyler Liburdi, who both serve as pilots and tactical flight officers.
We'll explore the fascinating evolution of their aviation unit—from its beginnings as a volunteer organization to the professional operation it is today.
We also discuss long-line rescue operations, the training and proficiency required to perf...
The Danger You Can't See: Fatigue in Public Safety Aviation Part 2 | Ep 367
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Valor Plus.
Today's episode is a special collaboration with our friends from the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, and we're tackling a topic that impacts every one of us in aviation — fatigue.
Joining us for this outstanding panel discussion are the hosts of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider. We are also honored to welcome a highly respected aviator with decades of experience, former HEMS pilot Woody McClendon.
Fatigue is truly the danger you c...
The Danger You Can't See: Fatigue in Public Safety Aviation Part 1 | Ep 366
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and in partnership with Valor Plus.
Today's episode is a special collaboration with our friends from the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, and we're tackling a topic that impacts every one of us in aviation — fatigue.
Joining us for this outstanding panel discussion are the hosts of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider. We are also honored to welcome a highly respected aviator with decades of experience, former HEMS pilot Woody McClendon.
Fatigue is truly the danger you c...
APSA 2026 Northeast Director Candidates | Ep 365
Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS in partnership with Valor Plus.
On today’s episode, we’re pleased to welcome the two candidates for the Airborne Public Safety Association’s Northeast Regional Director position. Joining us are Eric Bourn of the South Berwick Police Department and Lt. Jason Baxley of the Delaware State Police.
This special episode provides an opportunity for APSA members to hear directly from the candidates as they introduce themselves, discuss their backgrounds and experience, and answer three questions that are important to the future of public...
The Digital Front Line: Social Media Strategy for Public Safety with Tamrin Olden Part 2 | Ep 364
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
In this comprehensive two-part conversation, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Tamrin Olden, founder of TOC Public Relations, to discuss why social media has become a mission-critical tool for modern public safety.
Moving beyond the "ancillary duty" mindset, Tamrin explains how a strategic digital presence is the foundation for community trust, transparency, and successful recruitment.
Throughout this episode, we dive deep into the friction between traditional law enforcement leadership and the fast-paced d...
The Digital Front Line: Social Media Strategy for Public Safety with Tamrin Olden Part 1 | Ep 363
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
In this comprehensive two-part conversation, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely are joined by Tamrin Olden, founder of TOC Public Relations, to discuss why social media has become a mission-critical tool for modern public safety.
Moving beyond the "ancillary duty" mindset, Tamrin explains how a strategic digital presence is the foundation for community trust, transparency, and successful recruitment.
Throughout this episode, we dive deep into the friction between traditional law enforcement leadership and the fast-paced d...
How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part 3 | Ep 362
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Our guest is retired Lieutenant Glenn Daley of the New York City Police Department Aviation Unit. Glenn’s career in airborne law enforcement spans decades of service, leadership, instruction, and experience, that has taken him around the world. This conversation is powerful, emotional, educational, and, without question, one of the most important discussions we have had on this podcast.
This series begins on Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of...
How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part 2 | Ep 361
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Our guest is retired Lieutenant Glenn Daley of the New York City Police Department Aviation Unit. Glenn’s career in airborne law enforcement spans decades of service, leadership, instruction, and experience, that has taken him around the world. This conversation is powerful, emotional, educational, and, without question, one of the most important discussions we have had on this podcast.
This series begins on Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of...
How Glenn Daley's Experience Shapes Aviation Safety Part I | Ep 360
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Our guest is retired Lieutenant Glenn Daley of the New York City Police Department Aviation Unit. Glenn’s career in airborne law enforcement spans decades of service, leadership, instruction, and experience, that has taken him around the world. This conversation is powerful, emotional, educational, and, without question, one of the most important discussions we have had on this podcast.
This series begins on Sept. 11, 2001, at 8:46 a.m., the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of...
Inside SR3: Revolutionizing Rescue Training | Ep 359
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus. This episode was recorded live from the floor of VAI Verticon 2026 in Atlanta at the Vertical Plus booth.
In this episode we catch up with two returning guests and highly respected rescue and aviation professionals, retired Las Vegas Metro officer and owner of SR3 Rescue Concepts, Dave Callen, along with longtime law enforcement pilot and SR3 instructor, Tony Weber.
This was a rapid-fire conversation in the middle of a packed convention floor, but that energy made for an...
Episode 358 - Blades of Valor Tour 2026: Inside Broward Sheriff's Office Part 3
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
This three-part series comes to you from the hangar at Broward Sheriff's Office as part of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour, where we had the opportunity to interview Sgt Paul Seda and pilot Carl Spear.
The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond. We aim to promote the good work these agencies do and highlight the standard of excellence they set.
...
Episode 357 - Blades of Valor Tour 2026: Inside Broward Sheriff's Office Part 2
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
This three-part series comes to you from the hangar at Broward Sheriff's Office as part of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour, where we had the opportunity to interview Sgt Paul Seda and pilot Carl Spear.
The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond. We aim to promote the good work these agencies do and highlight the standard of excellence they set.
...
Episode 356 - Blades of Valor Tour 2026: Inside Broward Sheriff's Office Part 1
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
This three-part series comes to you from the hangar at Broward Sheriff's Office as part of the 2026 Blades of Valor Tour, where we had the opportunity to interview Sgt Paul Seda and pilot Carl Spear.
The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond. We aim to promote the good work these agencies do and highlight the standard of excellence they set.
...
Episode 355 - Trends in the Helicopter Industry Featuring Terry Miyauchi Part 2
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
In this two-part series of The Hangar Z Podcast, host Jon Gray is joined by OG co-host Jeff Ratkovich and industry veteran Terry Miyauchi.
The conversation takes us on a deep dive into the evolving landscape of public safety aviation. Fresh off his transition from Bell to launching his own public-safety-focused consultancy, Terry helps unpack the global trends, leadership philosophies, and safety data shaping the industry in 2026.
The conversation begins with Terry’s passion for le...
Episode 354 - Trends in the Helicopter Industry Featuring Terry Miyauchi Part 1
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
In this two-part series of The Hangar Z Podcast, host Jon Gray is joined by OG co-host Jeff Ratkovich and industry veteran Terry Miyauchi.
The conversation takes us on a deep dive into the evolving landscape of public safety aviation. Fresh off his transition from Bell to launching his own public-safety-focused consultancy, Terry helps unpack the global trends, leadership philosophies, and safety data shaping the industry in 2026.
The conversation begins with Terry’s passion for le...
Episode 353 - The Foundation of Honor: A Police Week Special with Craig Floyd Part 2
Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
This episode is being released during Police Week 2026, a time set aside to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. It’s a week of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for our fallen brothers and sisters.
Today’s guest is someone who has dedicated much of his life to ensuring those sacrifices are never forgotten—Craig Floyd. This is Craig’s second time joining us on the podcast...
Episode 352 - The Foundation of Honor: A Police Week Special with Craig Floyd Part 1
Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
This episode is being released during Police Week 2026, a time set aside to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. It’s a week of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for our fallen brothers and sisters.
Today’s guest is someone who has dedicated much of his life to ensuring those sacrifices are never forgotten—Craig Floyd. This is Craig’s second time joining us on the podcast...
Episode 351 - Mike Durant: Blackhawk Down and Beyond Part 2
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Today, we are truly honored to be joined by Michael J. Durant—retired Chief Warrant Officer 4, Night Stalker, and MH-60 Black Hawk pilot—whose story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.
In this episode, Mike takes us all the way back to his very first flight in a helicopter—the moment that sparked a passion and set the course for a remarkable career. Although he initially entered the U.S. Army as an intell...
Episode 350 - Mike Durant: Blackhawk Down and Beyond Part 1
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Today, we are truly honored to be joined by Michael J. Durant—retired Chief Warrant Officer 4, Night Stalker, and MH-60 Black Hawk pilot—whose story is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.
In this episode, Mike takes us all the way back to his very first flight in a helicopter—the moment that sparked a passion and set the course for a remarkable career. Although he initially entered the U.S. Army as an intell...
Episode 349 - APSCON 2026: What to Expect in Fort Lauderdale
This episode of The Hangar Z Podcast is brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
The Hangar Z Podcast welcomes Airborne Public Safety Association CEO/Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach, APSA President Dave Ellis and Broward Sheriff's Office Sergeant Paul Sada.
In this episode of The Hangar Z Podcast, we have the opportunity to talk about APSCON 2026 ahead of the July 13–17 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
During the conversation, we talk about what to expect at APSCON 2026, including the new Broward County Convention Center/Omni host hotel, the water-taxi-accessible cam...
Episode 348 - Navigating Mental Wellness with Dave Wuertz: Peer Support in Action Part 2
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
Today’s episode is a powerful and deeply human conversation centered on service, trust, and taking care of one another in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Our guest is Dave Wuertz, manager of peer support for PHI Air Medical.
Dave’s story is shaped by a lifetime of service in the medical field—starting with an emergecny medical technician (EMT) class in college, and influenced even earlier by his father’s work on an ambulance. From those earl...
Episode 347 - Navigating Mental Wellness with Dave Wuertz: Peer Support in Action Part 1
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor Plus.
Today’s episode is a powerful and deeply human conversation centered on service, trust, and taking care of one another in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Our guest is Dave Wuertz, manager of peer support for PHI Air Medical.
Dave’s story is shaped by a lifetime of service in the medical field—starting with an emergecny medical technician (EMT) class in college, and influenced even earlier by his father’s work on an ambulance. From those earl...
Episode 346 - John Nielsen: Transforming Law Enforcement Aviation Part 2
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Today’s episode features a true pioneer in airborne law enforcement—retired California Highway Patrol (CHP) pilot John Nielson. With more than 11,000 hours as pilot in command and another 3,400 hours as a second-in-command, John’s career is a masterclass in dedication, innovation, and mission-driven flying.
We start at the beginning of his journey on the ground, patrolling out of the Malibu Station along one of the most dangerous stretches of road in California—the Pacific Coast Highway...
Episode 345 - John Nielsen: Transforming Law Enforcement Aviation Part 1
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Today’s episode features a true pioneer in airborne law enforcement—retired California Highway Patrol (CHP) pilot John Nielsen. With more than 11,000 hours as pilot in command and another 3,400 hours as a second-in-command, John’s career is a masterclass in dedication, innovation, and mission-driven flying.
We start at the beginning of his journey on the ground, patrolling out of the Malibu Station along one of the most dangerous stretches of road in California—the Pacific Coast Highway...
Episode 344 - Coldstream Helicopters: Calm Under Fire in a Helicopter Crisis
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Today’s episode comes to you from the floor of Verticon in Atlanta, recorded inside the Vertical Plus booth, where the energy of the industry and the people who drive it were on full display.
Our guests are pilots Brian Dunn and Brian Atkinson of Coldstream Helicopters in Kelowna, British Columbia—this year’s recipients of the VAI Salute to Excellence Pilots of the Year award.
Between them, they represent both experience and the next ge...
Episode 343 - Blades of Valor Tour 2026: Inside U.S. Coast Guard Clearwater Part 2
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Thank you to 2026 Blades of Valor Tour sponsor Switlik Survival Products and the support of Massif flight suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible.
Switlik Survival Products supports aviation, marine, military, and search-and-rescue with a wide variety of high-quality survival products. To learn more, go to Switlik.com
The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond...
Episode 342 - Blades of Valor Tour 2026: Inside U.S. Coast Guard Clearwater Part I
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
Thank you to 2026 Blades of Valor Tour sponsor Switlik Survival Products and the support of Massif flight suits. Without your sponsorship and support, this tour would not be possible.
Switlik Survival Products supports aviation, marine, military, and search-and-rescue with a wide variety of high-quality survival products. To learn more, go to Switlik.com
The Blades of Valor Tour spotlights public safety aviation units recognized for outstanding service and celebrates those who go above and beyond...
Special Episode - Tim Lynn on Airspace Changes: Insights from a Veteran Pilot
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor Plus.
On this special edition of show, we welcome Tim Lynn, a veteran law enforcement and news gathering pilot with 24 years of flight time in Southern California.
We're going to discuss the recent dramatic and sudden changes in airspace throughout the country that seemed to start in the Los Angeles area.
Tim shares his experience and knowledge of that airspace, and what he thinks we need to do to get the word out on the realities...
Episode 341 - The Future of Air Support: Pasadena's Vision
Welcome to the HangerZ podcast brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and partnered with Vertical Valor Plus.
Today's episode was recorded on the floor of Verticon in Atlanta, at the Vertical Plus booth. We had a great week at Verticon and several great conversations and this was one of them. Today's guests are Lt Brad May and Sgt Dustin Gomez of Pasadena Police Department's Air Support Unit.
Lt May has a unique history in the unit. He's been there as an officer, a sergeant, and now the lieutenant of the unit. Great conversation about that.
<...Episode 340 - Warriors and Healers with Dr. Tania Glenn: Moral Injury and Mental Wellness
Welcome to the Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Vertical Valor.
Today we’re joined by a familiar and respected voice in the public safety community, Dr. Tania Glenn. Following her appearances on episodes 176 and 177 of the Hangar Z Podcast, she returns to the show to dive into one of the most critical topics facing our profession: mental wellness.
Dr. Glenn brings more than 30 years of experience working with first responders and members of our military, supporting those who operate in high-risk, high-stress environments. She’s the author of 10 book...
Episode 339 The Simple Leadership Principle That Builds Trust and Loyalty Part 2
Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS, in partnership with Valor +.
Welcome back to the Hangar Z Podcast, where we continue our ongoing series of conversations on leadership in law enforcement.
In this episode, we’re joined by two exceptional leaders: Chief Ed Delmore of the Pelham Police Department and Chief Scott Hughes of the Hamilton Township Police Department.
Both chiefs bring decades of experience and a proven track record that led them to the highest levels of leadership within their organizations. Beyond the badge, they are also tho...
