KCPD History And Return Flight

Here's a nice note about KCPD Tech Advancements over time . . .

Man who started KCPD’s Helicopter Unit 46 years ago returns for flight

The man who started a unit in 1968 that would go on to revolutionize policing in Kansas City is coming back to see how far it has come.

Retired Captain Jack Brady started the Helicopter Unit in 1968, making Kansas City one of the first cities in the nation to implement airborne patrol. Brady, now 88 years old, will return to the Helicopter Unit at 1 p.m. March 10 at 4601 Eastern Ave. for a flight in one of KCPD’s new choppers.

Brady began his KCPD career in 1952 and retired in 1980. He worked with the United States military to obtain surplus helicopters for the police department’s use in the late 1960s. Until September 2012, KCPD continued to use Vietnam War-era choppers. At that time, the department purchased three new MD 500Es with funds from the Public Safety Sales Tax, a federal grant and criminal asset forfeitures. They feature state-of-the-art technology and are the first new helicopters the department ever has owned.

Retired Captain Brady will take flight in one March 10 to see how far the unit he created has come. Today’s officers use helicopters to track fleeing suspects in cars and on foot, find missing people, provide security at major events and assist officers on the ground in a variety of other ways.

Brady also is credited with founding the Airborne Law Enforcement Association in 1968. It has grown to an international organization with more than 3,000 members. He was a featured speaker at the Association’s 2013 conference, where he also received an award for his long-time service.
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