WASHINGTON – Three officers who are part of Fairfax County Police Department’s Helicopter Unit have received the Gus Crawford Air Crew of the Year Award for finding two missing boys and their dog in sub-freezing temperatures in the snow last January.
The honor recognizes pilot Garrett Wymer, Master Police Officer Paul DeHaven and Police Officer First Class Timothy Schilling for locating the boys in a dense, wooded area of Spotsylvania County Jan. 25.
The video below shows what the officers saw from Fairfax County Police Helicopter “Fairfax One” during the search:
As deputies from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office searched the woods on foot, the helicopter looked for them from above as its fuel level began to run low.
With 10 to 15 minutes of fuel left, the helicopter’s high-definition, infrared camera spotted the 5- and 10-year-old boys and the dog.
“We have located the two children and the dog,” a member of the crew is heard telling the other searchers.
“The children are staying in the same location,” the crew member said.
One of the boys is seen waving to the helicopter. Deputies on foot are then able to find the children.
The Gus Crawford Air Crew of the Year Award is given out every year by the Airborne Law Enforcement Association.
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