08/24/2026
MEET THE TFO: AIR SUPPORT IN ACTION
When the call comes in and the aircraft goes up, there’s more than a pilot on board making the mission happen.
The Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol Air Support Unit have a unique partnership through the Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) Program. Through that partnership, one of our deputies serves alongside KHP pilots as a Tactical Flight Officer, bringing local knowledge, law enforcement experience, and another critical set of eyes to every mission.
So what does a TFO do once that aircraft leaves the ground?
This video puts you inside the mission and introduces you to the role our deputy plays in helping make the Air Support Unit such an effective resource for Sedgwick County and the surrounding region.
From tracking suspects and coordinating with deputies and officers on the ground to operating specialized equipment and helping crews see the bigger picture from above, the TFO is a vital part of the team.
This is what strong partnerships are all about. We’re proud to join forces with the Kansas Highway Patrol and have one of our own in the aircraft, working alongside KHP to provide this incredible resource to our community.
It’s a partnership built on teamwork, shared resources, and one goal: keeping our communities safe.