Kentucky State Police Joins Safety Partners in Air Search and Rescue Training
Enhancing unified response during critical incidents
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2026) – Supporting Team Kentucky’s commitment to improving public safety and rescue efforts, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Aircraft Support Branch, in a strategic partnership with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) and Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1 (USAR TF-1), successfully completed joint training that will enhance unified response during critical incidents.
“Team Kentucky’s top priority is the safety of our people, and joint training operations like this one make sure the heroes we depend on in times of crisis are prepared for anything that comes their way,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “By working together, our state agencies are making sure Kentucky is a safer place for everyone who calls the commonwealth home.”
The specialized Bell 429 Hoist Transition Course, which took place April 20-25 at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center in Greenville, was taught by Priority 1 Air Rescue, a world leader in air search and rescue training. The curriculum focused on transitioning KSP flight crews to the advanced hoist systems of the new Bell 429 helicopter, a recently acquired critical asset in the Kentucky State Police aircraft fleet. The training included precision/dynamic hoisting, cable management and victim-extraction techniques designed for use in Kentucky’s most challenging environments.
“This transition course and addition of the new Bell 429 represent a significant leap forward in our search and rescue capabilities,” said KSP Major Brad Austin. “By training alongside USAR TF-1 and Priority 1 Air Rescue, our crews are better prepared to execute high-stakes air rescues when called upon.”
“The collaboration between KSP and USAR TF-1 during this course ensures a unified response during natural disasters and technical rescue missions,” said Doug Hargreaves, state USAR coordinator. “By standardizing communication and safety protocols between aircrews and ground-based rescue specialists, the commonwealth strengthens its ability to protect citizens in the wake of floods, tornadoes or wilderness emergencies.”
As KSP continues to modernize its fleet and training standards, the integration of the Bell 429 hoist capabilities serves as a cornerstone of the agency’s commitment to public safety and excellence in airborne law enforcement and rescue operations.
KSP extends a special thank you to the Kentucky National Guard and the professional staff at the Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center. Their facilities and logistical support were instrumental in the successful execution of this high-level training exercise.
The Kentucky State Police is committed to safeguarding the commonwealth and continues to remind everyone to make safe decisions while online. To learn more about the Kentucky State Police mission and commitment to public safety, visit the agency’s website.
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Editor’s Note: This link contains access to photos and b-roll from this training.
