Fairfax County Police Department News

On January 25, 2013, two brothers, ten and five-years-old, went outside to play in the newly fallen snow with their dog. When a parent went to check on them 30 minutes later, it was discovered that footprints from the boys led into the dense woods bordering the family home. Deputies from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office began searching for the boys and requested assistance from the Fairfax County Police Helicopter, “Fairfax One.”

Communicating with deputies below, the helicopter performed an extensive search utilizing the infrared camera, in the waning light of a winter afternoon with sub-freezing temperatures. With only 10 to 15 minutes remaining for Fairfax One to remain on the scene, a small heat source was located under a fallen tree next to a creek. Using the high definition camera, the crew was able to spot the two missing boys huddled together under the tree and directed search team members to their location.

Members of the Helicopter Unit were awarded the annual Gus Crawford Air Crew of the Year Award. The award is given annually by the Airborne Law Enforcement Association, which was founded in 1968 and has 3,500 members worldwide.