We receive a constant, dedicated source of funding, which has given this program stability and longevity. Other units around the country often get their funding lumped in with the general budget, which means their money can get raided. I ve seen units that were forced to leave their helicopters on the ground because they simply ran out of money. The division takes pains to generate public support. We re slowly changing all the Dauphins to a visually more compelling paint scheme.
Citizens hear that distinctive noise signature, and they feel safer.
We engage in many community outreach programs. We put on demonstrations at county fairs, for the Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, what have you. We also conduct surveys of citizens around the state, and tailor our practices to what they say they want. To fulfill the rigors of its multimission profile, the division staffs each aircraft with a pilot and a flight paramedic. Each flight paramedic is nationally registered and is a Maryland State Trooper.