AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Aircraft Operations Division has been awarded the 2025 Leadership in Police Aviation Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The accolade was presented at the IACP Annual Awards Banquet in Denver on October 21.
“This award is a tremendous honor and reflection of the incredible work, professionalism and dedication of our AOD personnel,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. The division was selected from over 35,000 agencies in more than 170 countries for its leadership and innovation in both manned and unmanned law enforcement operations, according to a press release from the department.
This marks the fourth time DPS has received this honor, having previously been recognized in 2011, 2019, and 2021. Chief Pilot Stacy Holland expressed pride in the division’s commitment to protecting and serving Texas communities. From March 2024 to March 2025, AOD recorded 14,240 flight hours across 6,725 flights, assisted 10,071 agencies, located 9,600 suspects and 96 victims, and recovered 241 stolen vehicles.
AOD is one of the largest airborne law enforcement units in the country, with 13 duty stations, 27 aircraft, and over 100 personnel. The division operates a fleet that includes Airbus A-Stars, a Bell 412, Pilatus PC-12NGs, Cessna Caravans, and a Beechcraft King Air 350. Additionally, AOD manages the department’s UAS Remote Pilot in Command program, which includes over 350 drones used for various missions such as border security and crime scene investigation.