Northwest Regional Aviation achieves ten-year anniversary
Published 3:43 pm Tuesday, December 9, 2014
On Dec. 9 law enforcement, fire, search and rescue, and emergency management agencies in the region came together to discuss how to efficiently use and coordinate the limited aviation resources in Western Washington during large scale incidents and disasters. The result of that meeting was the formation of Northwest Regional Aviation (NWRA). Small steps at first, such as standard operating procedures, common radio communications, and joint trainings fostered a working relationship and trust between agencies. Instead of competing against each other, the agencies pulled together to apply for federal grants. This combined effort resulted in acquiring modern equipment including two new helicopters and one airplane, two rescue hoists, thermal cameras (FLIR), integrated radio communications, a regional video down-linking system, advanced digital mapping, and joint training funds. Additionally NWRA now operates two of six advanced Airborne Tactical Extraction Platforms (AirTEP) in the country.
Training has expanded to quarterly and annual events that have tested and improved the skills of the aircrews and ground support teams. This includes the first integrated radio communications exercise that validated interagency communications across county lines. Another first was participating in the 2014 mass casualty exercise at SEATAC airport. NWRA conducted the first high rise rescue drill in downtown Seattle in 2011 using a helicopter to hoist insert the Seattle Fire Department High Rise Team on top of the 50 story Safeco Plaza building. In 2012 NWRA was the first to conduct an operational mission using the AirTEP in the U.S. Each year a Regional Aviation Exercise takes place to validate the NWRA concept and to build upon past training and operational events.
The efforts over the last ten years have transformed a loose affiliation of agencies to a true partnership that provides an integrated aviation response to serve the communities of the Pacific Northwest. There is now coordinated command and control to manage aircraft during significant incidents. NWRA responses which have proven the importance of coordinated multi-aircraft response include; regional flooding around Puget Sound, active shooter response, the I-5 Bridge Collapse, and complex search and rescue missions involving multiple aircraft. Every member of NWRA was involved in some manner of immediate response or long term aviation support during the SR530 Slide disaster.
The individual agencies have received national recognition that include; 2011 law enforcement aircrew of the year, outstanding aircraft maintenance program, and multiple life-saving awards. Northwest Regional Aviation was recognized by the Department of Homeland Security in 2010 and recognized with the “Outstanding Regional Partnership Award”. Northwest Regional Aviation continues to look forward to improve its response and capabilities over the next ten years. Other agencies have signed on to participate. These include aviation units in Eastern Washington, National Guard, and active duty military. Northwest Regional Aviation stands ready to serve Washington State.
Northwest Regional Partners and Participants King County Sheriff’s Office, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Seattle Fire Department, Snohomish County Fire District 26, Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, Seattle Police Department, Port of Seattle, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Fire District 1, Washington Army & Air National Guard, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Search and Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard, FBI, U.S. Border Protection, WSDOT – Aviation Division, WSDOT – Emergency Services, and Airlift Northwest.
