ARTEMUS, Ky. – (May 2, 2023) Last week, The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Aircraft Support Branch
conducted a Vertical Surface Helicopter Hoist Rescue Class at the Kentucky National Guard Harold L.
Disney Training Center in Artemus, Kentucky.

This class was coordinated by the Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Division of Emergency
Management (KYEM). The Priority One Air Rescue from Mesa, Arizona, instructed the five-day course.

“Coming out to see this training in action just days after signing HB 157 for a state-coordinated urban
search and rescue team is affirmation that we are moving in the right direction,” said KYEM Director,
Col. Jeremy Slinker. “The technical skillsets, priority on training and dedication of these individuals is
proof that we have what it takes to have a world-class team comprised of our very own Kentuckians.”

For additional photos: Kentucky Emergency Management, Public Information Office – KYEM & KSP
Coordinate Lifesaving Hoist Training (myportfolio.com)

This course was attended by members of numerous search and rescue agencies throughout the
commonwealth. KSP’s Aircraft Branch, Special Response Team and Academy Branch attended
alongside Red Star Wilderness Emergency Management Service, Powell County Search and Rescue,
Wolfe County Search and Rescue and the Lexington Fire Department.

“Training of this magnitude does not happen without logistics and operational support from several
partners,” said Capt. Brad Austin, KSP Aircraft Branch Commander. “We appreciate the Kentucky Army
National Guard for providing a training site, London Corbin Airport for keeping us fueled, Priority One Air
Rescue for their professionalism and KYEM for coordinating with countless others to execute this critical
training.”

This is the second of three hands-on instructional events the joint agency team will execute. The first
was Basic Helicopter Hoist Operations, conducted in October 2021, and later this fall the team will
execute a Helicopter Hoist Swift Water Rescue Course.

This training was integral to the success of the hoist rescues during the historic flooding in Eastern
Kentucky and the rescue conducted in the Red River Gorge in March 2022.

“We will only get better,” said Slinker. “This team alongside several others saved over 1,400 lives during
the floods of Eastern Kentucky last year. That isn't an accomplishment we intend to hang our hats on. It
is a staggering number that motivates us to continually improve our abilities, increase our assets and be
the most prepared we possibly can be when the inevitable happens.”