MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), APSCON Booth #637, will host several events to celebrate APSCON and law enforcement professionals during the Airborne Public Safety Association’s (APSA) annual convention and expo (APSCON) July 26-31 in New Orleans.

In celebration of the industry gathering again, MDHI invites all APSCON attendees to a social gathering at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 29, at the Barcadia New Orleans, 601 Tchoupitoulas St. The event includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity for APSCON attendees to reconnect, network, and celebrate.

“It has been far too long since we have been able to gather as a law enforcement community,” says John “Jack” Harris, MD Helicopters’ Director of Public Safety Sales. “As MD refocuses our energy toward the entire customer experience, we realized our whole community, regardless of whether they are MD customers or not, needs a sense of reconnection after perhaps the most difficult 18 months any of us will experience in our careers. This event as an opportunity for attendees to come together, catch up, share experiences, and quite frankly, enjoy being together again.”

MDHI is pleased to host airborne law enforcement pioneer Don Bachali in the MDHI booth (#637) from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 30. Bachali served on the Hughes Helicopters sales team that helped establish the first 24-hour aerial patrol program in a large city, Kansas City, Mo., in 1968. Two years later he worked with the original members of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) when the organization was founded. From Hughes Helicopters to McDonnell Douglas Helicopters, then on to a consulting career supporting law enforcement in their airborne operations, Bachali’s long career helped shape the foundation of today’s airborne law enforcement programs.

Bachali will be available to share stories, talk about the history MDHI’s aircraft in law enforcement, and sign and distribute free copies of his book, History of Airborne Law Enforcement Association – My Personal Journey.

MDHI is honored to sponsor the ASPA’s Safety Award, which will be presented at the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District in the Gravier Ballroom A-C at 6 p.m. July 30. The award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated a longstanding and continuing dedication to airborne law enforcement safety.