TFT 33. James McVey, NYPD Aviation Pilot
National Fire Radio Podcast Platform · National Fire Radio Podcast Channel
July 8, 20241h 53m
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (episodes.captivate.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
James McVey, NYPD Aviation police officer, and pilot, joins Mickey over a few pints to discuss James time in law enforcement, specifically in Harlem and Spanish Harlem neighborhoods during the 80s crack epidemic.
The conversation then shifts to his time in the NYPD's Emergency Service Unit (ESU), where they discuss the different roles and responsibilities within the unit, including SWAT, high-angle rescue, trench work, and diving.
They then transition into James' journey from ESU to the aviation unit of the NYPD, talking about the training involved in becoming a member of the aviation unit, including learning how to rappel out of helicopters and using various weapons.
James and Mickey then reflect on the events of 9/11, the role of communication during the response, and the communication breakdown between aviation and the fire department during the 9/11 attacks.