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s~> 2 December 10,1990 The Democrat Sheriffs Department has first woman pilot By Kelly L. Fargo The Oswego County Sheriff's Department broke new ground four years ago when it became one of four upstate New Yorkcounties to imple- ment a helicopter programed, mark- ing another major step in 1990, they hired the couniy's first woman pilot. As a child, Jill Knopp watched with intrigue as helicopters flew over the naval base near her Virginia home. Later, while living in Fulton, her fourth grade class visited the county airport, where it was the helicopter that caught her eye once again. Today Jill Knopp carries the designation as the first woman pilot of the Oswego County Sheriffs Department, and perhaps in New York state law enforcement. Deputy Knopp attended Fulton schools and participated in ROTC, before attending and graduating SUNY Oswego. She joined an Avia- tion Reserve Unit and received her flight training through the Army, graduating in July 1987. \ She maintained a long time inter- est in law enforcement throughout the years, and ultimately took the civil service exam which led to her current position with the sheriff s department. The deputy officially came on line about two weeks ago, following the return ofthe helicopter after aroutine maintenance check. Her sidekick, or observer, Deputy Mike Babcock, completes the two-person team sta- tioned at the county airport. Deputy Babcock, a Pulaski resident, is on his second stint as an observer, having held that position last year. The pair work in two modes— routine patrols and on-call emergency. Taking the helicopter up on a routine patr^Js-could help spotstolen vehicles or ATVs; a marijuana field in sum- mer; or, jnorritqr camps that might be targets of break-ins in the winter. On-call emergency usually means a missing person, possibly a victim of a boating accident, a lost hunter, or a fugitive fleeing a crime scene. As in any facet of police work, most situ- ations are unique. The difference in the helicopter program is additional skill and judgement calls. . Two major considerations that the pilot has to weigh are the weather conditions and the capabilities of the helicopter to perform. Another con- sideration, says Deputy Knopp, is what the pilot feels comfortable in doing, under those conditions. Confidence and meticulous operation of the heli- tftpter are essential, and Deputy Knopp meets that calling with vet- eran expertise. Boarding the 'copter, seatbelts and harness are secured, she dons a hel- met, checks communication and dili- gently completes a checklist—by the book—before takeoff. She makes the announcement as the copter lifts into the air. She carefully monitors the instru- Press Association offers scholarship Applications are now being ac- cepted for the New York Press Asso- ciation's scholarship program. Anyone who has been aresidentof New York State for at least one year and who will be enrolled in a recog- nized program in the undergarduate study of print journalism in a 'New York State school is eligible. Applicants will be considered on the basis of their character, writing and overall ability, academic record, work experience (if any), and recom- mendations, applications should in- clude faculty and workrecommenda- tions.in addition toa200-wordessay describing their interest in commu- nity journalism and the particular weekly newspaper with which they are most familiar. Strong considera- tion will be given to applicants with experience and/or interest in any as- pect—editorial, advertising, or de- sign—of the weekly newspaperfield. Applicants must attend college dur- ing theacademic year 1991-1992,and give indication of pursuingacareer in print journalism. Thefinalselection will bemadeby meScholarshipCommitteoftheNew York Press Association. . For further information or to ob- tain anapplication,contacttheNYPA Central Office at (800) 322-4221 or write to NYPA, Executive Park Tower, Albany,NY. 12203^3780. All applications iftast be postmarked by Feb. 15,1991 afflfsubmitted to the NYPA Central Office. ments and explains the functions of v the various' diaK with expert author- ity. In the sky about 1,000 feetabove the ground she points out that vari- ables such as visibility and high winds can make a difference in each flight. Search lights used at night can give a quarter toahalf mile of visiblity under clear skies. Whether on aroutine patrol or on a search and rescue operation, Depu- ties Knopp and Babcock skillfully coordinate their efforts. As observer, Deputy Babcock is at a vantage point to watch for signs of a missing person or spot an unusual vehicle. Often he will communicate with other police agencies oron-the-groundpatrol units to maximize efficiency. His role, frees up Deputy 1£nopp for concentration on the instruments and flying the copter. As recently as last week the heli- copter was usedin a search for a lost seven-year-old boy. .The helicopter, which travei|at speeds up to 80m.p.h., was above the scene in less than two nsnuM ^Thatkind of efficiency will be essential jn certain cases, such as ari ice fishing accident on the lake or similar circumstance. \ ? As thejaogram grows, with the\ possible addition of another pilp| in»- the future, expectations today antici- pate that the primary function of the^ helicojpter program wilfrfemain the same.- ;\'.'-. ' ' ; '/- •.-- ,--• .:- Sheriff Charl^ r Nc|is^hiJVi$S:\ instrumental getting-\ the, progjeam started in 1986,reJfo^iheMta$ J, 'a patrol car in thesky.\ : \The search mi rescue* lake and ice patrol and assfiSI%^roand units will always be the main function of the helicopter program,\ said the sheriff. \Another benefit is the use of\- aerial photos obtained over accident scenes.\ Regardless of any future changes, the program has made its mark not only within the county, but is cur- rently a model for a program being considered by Warren County, ac- cording to Sheriff Neilis. That's a feather in the cap of Oswego County. Child abuse coalition forms Ne^ teachers and licensed profes- sionals! will follow a state mandate requiring-tbat they take a two-hour course in childabusereportingbegin- ningJan.l, 1991, in order to apply for alicense,licenserenewal or certifica- tion. ' The training willfollow a syllabus prepared by the state Education De- partment and will be administered by a newiy formed coalition, comprised of Oswego County service agencies. -Injireparing to meet the state's dem^ds,meagenciesjoininginclude: BOCJES, the A. U Lee Memorial Hospital irtFulton, the Oswego Hos- pital, Oswego County Department of Social Services, Oswego County Public Health Department* Oswego C€ftirity Teacher Center, Oswego County Sheriff s Department, New 'York State Troopers and Oswego County Opportunities. * The training .required by a 1988 law, must be obtained-by an institu- tion or providerappjfovedby the state Education Department. Oswego County Coalition's formation marks the first county in the state to submit art application and be approved to provide, this teah^ng* as a coalition. '*- teriQ^ certificates will rje kept on fileforflveyearsatOswego County BOCES. Session? timesanddatesareto bearmounced. . ForfurthermfcpnationcontactMs. Carol Ruby at 963-4251. t f
