Not Flying Saucers: Why State Police Helicopters are Dominating Our Night Sky

Residents near Hagerstown may have noticed an increase in helicopter activity in the night sky this past week, with the Maryland State Police (MSP) conducting scheduled training exercises. The MSP Aviation Command has been utilizing helicopters between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on select dates in March, including March 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 17. These maneuvers are part of an effort to enhance regional tactical readiness and are not a cause for concern. The Washington County Division of Emergency Services has coordinated this effort to inform local businesses and venues, emphasizing the importance of such preparedness training for public safety operations.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Division officially began in 1960, though the agency first acquired an aircraft in 1954. Initially established with a focus on aerial support, the division has significantly expanded its capabilities and mission over the decades. A key development was the acquisition of a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter in 1968, which paved the way for critical medical transport services. In 1970, the MSP Aviation Division performed its first civilian medical evacuation, transporting an injured patient to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. This marked a pivotal moment in the agency’s role in providing swift emergency medical services from the air.

Since these early days, the MSP Aviation Command has undergone substantial evolution. The original helicopters were eventually replaced by Eurocopter Dauphins and, more recently, by the advanced AW-139 helicopters introduced in 2013. What began as a single helicopter base has grown into a statewide operation with seven helicopter sections. This expansion has enabled the Aviation Command to transport over 150,000 patients and broaden its mission to encompass law enforcement support, homeland security operations, search and rescue missions, aerial rescue, and disaster assessment. The command’s ongoing commitment is to provide comprehensive airborne public safety services across Maryland and to neighboring regions, operating 24 hours a day to protect and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Maryland State Police and Washington County Division of Emergency Services

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