US-based Helinet has appointed Jorge Gonzalez as its new chief operating officer.

Gonzalez recently retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 38 years of service and brings years of strategic aviation leadership to his new role. He will be responsible for overseeing the company's ongoing operations while spearheading new growth activities with a strong focus on the company's Helinet Technologies division, which supports law enforcement, public safety and government agencies with customised aviation technology solutions.

Gonzalez's history with Helinet dates back over a decade when the company first started supporting LAPD with microwave downlink technology, allowing aircrews to transmit uninterrupted high-definition video and data from aircraft to ground personnel and command sites in real-time. At the time of its launch, the system was one of the first HD surveillance and microwave downlink solutions in operation.

"Helinet has done an excellent job supporting LAPD over the years and has become a trusted advisor to the police department along with many other agencies," says Gonzalez. "Its integrity and uncompromising commitment to safety and customer service have stood out to me and many others, which is why I have chosen to join the team. The company has several opportunities for further growth, and I look forward to helping them on the path ahead."

Previously Gonzalez has served in field operations, patrol, special problems units, federal gang enforcement units, aviation management, safety, leadership and investigations. His career highlights include being a winged LAPD tactical flight officer and command pilot and receiving 320 commendations and two life saving medals for bravery. He also holds a commercial helicopter rating and has logged over 7,000 flight hours.

"Jorge is a distinguished member of the airborne law enforcement community and has dedicated his life to protecting and serving others," says CEO Kathryn Purwin. "He had serval opportunities presented upon his retirement at LAPD, and we are thrilled he chose to join Helinet. His exceptional leadership and strategic vision will be a huge asset to the continued expansion of the company."