Tom O’Halloran, President, Board of Directors, Unit Instructor Pilot

Tom O’Halloran joined Eagle One in 2012 and currently serves as Unit Instructor Pilot and President of the Nelson D'Ancona Foundation. This non-profit organization raises funds to operate and maintain the Unit's Search And Rescue Helicopters. Tom performs duties as an Eagle One, Two, and Three Aircraft Commander. He has participated in numerous real-world search and rescue, SWAT aviation tactical exercises, and various training events. His previous aviation experience includes serving as Vice President of a Publicly Traded Aerospace Company, Director of Corporate Aviation for financial organizations, and a Major Airline Captain. Tom has over 30 years of aviation experience in the Commercial, Military, and General Aviation industries. He is an FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) in both Helicopters and Fixed Wing aircraft, with over 10,000 Hours of flight. He holds Aircraft Type Ratings in the G550, G450, GV, GIV, Falcon 2000, Challenger 604, Airbus 320, Boeing 767 and 757 aircraft. Tom’s helicopter qualifications include the UH-1H, UH-60, S-76, Bell 412, Bell 407 and Bell 206. He is a former Military Aviator, earning two Air Medals for Combat Flight Operations as well as a recipient of the Sikorsky Rescue Award, for a life saving mission in the Pacific Ocean. Tom graduated from the University of Southern California’s Aviation Safety Program Management, Accident Investigation and holds a Bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Capt. Al Wilcoxson, NMPD, Aviation Unit Commander

Captain Al Wilcoxson is a resident of Shelton, Connecticut. He accepted a position as Captain with the New Milford Police Department in February 2020 and was recently promoted to Deputy Chief. Prior to that, Al was a Captain with the Stratford Police Department, where he served as the Commander of both the Patrol Division and the SPD Aviation Unit. Al proudly retired after 26 years with the town of Stratford. He has over 30 years of active and reserve duty in the U.S. Army and CT Army National Guard, including over 2,500 hours in Apache, Chinook, Blackhawk, Huey, Kiowa, and Cobra helicopters. Al is a retired Colonel with the Connecticut Army National Guard and has commercial rotary wing and instrument ratings. He is a decorated combat veteran of OIF, OEF, and Operation Desert Storm. His combat decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (for valor), and two Bronze Star Medals. Al’s educational credentials include a B.S. in Toxicology, an M.S. in Political Science, an M.A. in Military Science, and an M.S. in Strategic Studies.

Steve Shabet, Board Member, TFO

Steve Shabet is a seasoned professional with many years of diverse international financial services experience. After retiring from a successful 27-year career in Financial Services in 2011, he built several successful businesses in and around Litchfield County. Steve's desire to give back to the community led him to volunteer with the Eagle program. He joined the board of Eagle One in 2021 and, through his strong work ethic and ability to manage complex systems, became a Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) with the Aviation Unit of the New Milford Police Department in 2023. He helps manage the coordination of ground resources during flight operations, keeping his eyes on hazards and assisting with tactical operations and crew communications.

David Faile, Treasurer, Pilot

David Faile is a 1968 graduate of the University of Northern Vermont, where he taught flying and towed gliders, all while attending the University. David retired from AT&T after twenty-six years in various management positions, and he has been a pilot for 58 years. He is rated in fixed wing (power & glider) and helicopters, with nearly 10,000 flight hours logged. A Certified Flight Instructor since 1965, he was one of the very first to qualify as a Master Flight Instructor and has held that distinction continuously since 1998. He was the 1999 National Flight Instructor of the Year. David is also rated as a Federal Aviation Administration Mechanic for Airframe and Powerplants. He has built several award-winning aircraft.

Lieutenant Earl Wheeler, NMPD, Board Secretary, Lead TFO

Lieutenant Wheeler joined Eagle One in 2018 and currently serves as the New Milford Police Department's Aviation Unit Manager, Tactical Flight Officer, and Secretary on the Board of Directors. His responsibilities include managing the Unit's activities, training, missions, and personnel and coordinating activities with the Unit Commander, Maintenance officer, and Pilots. Earl is also a Crew Chief on the Unit's three aircraft. He boasts thirty years with the New Milford Police Department, currently commanding the Patrol Division. He has held various roles, including Field Training, Detective, Detective Sergeant, and other supervisory/administrative positions. Lieutenant Wheeler also received specialized training in accident investigation, dive search and rescue, and special weapons and tactics, actively contributing to both departmental and regional units in these areas. Earl graduated with honors from the University of Cincinnati, Bellevue University, and Northwestern Connecticut Community College. He holds a Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, and Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and is a Phi Beta Kappa Society member. Earl is also a United States Military veteran, serving five years on active duty with the United States Marine Corps. His military service included various security and special operations assignments in North Africa during the Persian Gulf War and humanitarian and relief operations during Operation Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia. Most of all, Earl is an admiring husband of a beautiful and talented wife and a proud father of three delightful and exceptionally principled children.

Arnold Chase, Board Member

Mr. Arnold Chase currently serves as President and Director of Gemini Networks, Inc., and is a Managing Member of Chase Enterprises Holding LLC, Hartford, Connecticut. Both entities are privately owned investment holding companies. He is also a Trustee of Connecticut Public Broadcasting, Inc. and Talcott Mountain Science Center. Mr. Chase holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Babson College.

Bryan Macdonald, Pilot

Bryan MacDonald is a valuable asset to our Unit. With a background that spans over two decades of service, his commitment and skills have significantly impacted our operations. Bryan's journey began in the US Marine Corps, where he served as an infantryman from 1989 to 1993. Following his Marine Corps service, he continued to serve his country in the Army Guard from 1994 to 2014. Bryan gained valuable experience flying UH-60 Blackhawks and CH-47 Chinooks during this time. He deployed to Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) III-IV, and his expertise in deliberate combat operations has translated seamlessly into his work as a volunteer for our helicopter search and rescue program. He and Tom O'Halloran flew Blackhawks together, and Tom's passion and dedication to the program inspired Bryan to get involved as a donor and volunteer. This decision has enhanced our Team's capabilities and effectiveness in life-saving missions. Bryan is a devoted family man, married with three children, and he owns a 600-acre family Christmas tree farm that supplies cut trees and balled and burlap nursery stock for the landscape industry.

Brian C. Bollaro, Officer, NMPD, TFO

Brian C. Bollaro's journey in public service began in November of 1991 when he joined the King Street Fire Department in Danbury, CT, as an entry-level Volunteer Fire Fighter. He steadily climbed the ranks, holding positions such as Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Trustee, and Head Trustee. Transitioning to law enforcement, Brian joined the New Milford Police Department, where he established himself as a knowledgeable and reliable officer. His peers often turn to him for guidance and advice, and his superiors hold him in high regard, recognizing his contributions and leadership within the department. Brian's role as a firearms instructor led to him receiving a Certificate of Appreciation. His exceptional performance has also garnered numerous accolades, including 3 Letters of Recognition, 5 Letters of Commendation, 4 Unit Citations, 3 Meritorious Service Awards, and 4 Life Saving awards—evidence of his consistently outstanding service. Serving as a Tactical Flight Officer (TFO), he is crucial in maintaining passenger safety and identifying potential hazards during flights. Brian's responsibilities include assisting the pilot and co-pilot, operating the FLIR system, performing pre and post-flight inspections, and participating in basic aircraft maintenance. His primary assignment is with Eagle 1, where his contributions continue to make a difference. Brian currently holds the position of 1st Assistant Chief with the Water Witch Hose Co. #2 in New Milford, CT.

Micheal Lafond, Seargent, NMPD, TFO

Sergeant Lafond began his journey into law enforcement by obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Criminal Justice from Quinnipiac University. In 2008, he embarked on his career by joining the New Milford Police Department. For a decade, Sgt. Lafond served as a K9 Handler, partnered with a Dual Purpose Patrol and Narcotics German Shepherd named K-9 Kira. His dedication and expertise earned him a promotion to the rank of Sergeant. During his time at a small law enforcement agency with just 50 personnel, Sgt. Lafond couldn't have imagined the chance to join an aviation unit. His passion for aviation is deeply rooted in his upbringing, as his father, who holds a private pilot's license, nurtured his love for flight from a very young age. In 2019, he assumed a new role as a Tactical Flight Officer with the Eagle Helicopter Team, where he plays a vital role in the operations of all three aircraft (Eagle 1, 2 & 3). He appreciates the opportunity to serve the public in this unique capacity and looks forward to learning from the experienced team while contributing to their mission. Currently, Sgt. Lafond holds the position of Administrative Sergeant and serves as the K9 Unit Supervisor for the NMPD.

Nick Ryan, Officer, NMPD, TFO

Officer Nick Ryan started his law enforcement career with the Winchester Police Department in October 2016. During his time there, he served with the Statewide Narcotics Task Force Northwest Office. In July 2019, he transitioned to the New Milford Police Department, where he currently holds the position of School Resource Officer at Schaghticoke Middle School. In addition to his primary role, Officer Ryan serves as a firearms instructor, FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot, Marine Patrol Officer, and Cadet Advisor. While working with the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, he frequently collaborated with Department of Homeland Security helicopters for operational support. Learning of the Eagle program piqued his interest as he saw firsthand the value of air assets in law enforcement with the DHS. Nick pursued a position on the Team and is proud to hold the title of Tactical Flight Officer (TFO).

Dan Gjodesen, officer, Ridgefield PD, TFO

Tactical Flight Officer Gjodesen's journey began with his education at SUNY Old Westbury College in New York. Following his academic pursuits, he joined the Baltimore City Police Department in 1996. In 1999, he made a transition to the Ridgefield, CT Police Department, where he completed his second police academy training. Throughout his tenure in Ridgefield, Officer Gjodesen has primarily served as the Field Training Officer, contributing significantly to the department's training efforts. Additionally, since 2018, he has been a dedicated volunteer with the Eagle program. From an early age, Officer Gjodesen harbored a clear ambition to become a police officer. He often observed the Nassau County police helicopter in flight, recognizing the unique opportunities it offered to the officers on board.

Paul mangini, Pilot

Paul Mangini is a retired police sergeant from the Middletown Police Department, where he worked for twenty-four years. He was one of the first Eagle One pilots and started flying with the program when it acquired its first UH-1H Huey in the late eighties. After leaving the police department, he was a pilot for Life Star, where he worked for eleven years and was the base Lead Pilot for the program at Backus Hospital in Norwich. Paul learned to fly for the army and soloed in October of 1966. He soloed in a Huey in April of 1967, which gives him fifty years of flying a Huey. Paul flew UH-1C model Huey gunships in Vietnam, completing 890 combat missions. He then went to Germany and spent two years flying along the “Iron Curtain.” He returned to the States and joined the National Guard, where he was a UH-1 instructor pilot. Paul flew for the National Guard for forty-one years of Active and Guard service, flying helicopters and multi-engine fixed-wing cargo planes. Upon his retirement from the Guard and Life Star, he joined the Civil Air Patrol, where he is the Wing Maintenance Officer and flies Cessna 172s and 182s.

Retired Detective Lieutenant Robert Hettrick

Lieutenant Robert Hettrick retired from the Meriden, CT Police Department after 26 ½ years of service. He was promoted through the ranks to Detective Lieutenant in charge of the Detective Division and spent 20 years as an active member of the S.W.A.T team, many of them as a Tactical Commander. LT Hettrick became involved with flying helicopters and has been working with Eagle 1 for the last 13 years.

He presently works as a pilot for Airocean Aviation in Yalesville, CT.