Episode 155 - Leon County Sheriff's Office with Captain Lee Majors with Part I

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast , brought to you by Vertical Helicasts ! In this two-part series, we sit down to talk with Capt Lee Majors from the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) in Florida. The LCSO has operated helicopters in support of law enforcement and public safety efforts in Tallahassee, Leon County, and the surrounding area since 1974. For the first 25 or so years, LCSO operated the only law enforcement helicopter in the Florida panhandle. Today, the LCSO Aviation Bureau is often modeled by other agencies, and is the primary Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force aviation response unit for the region. Majors is a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, with a rich history of service in law enforcement aviation and community involvement. His journey with the LCSO began as a volunteer in 1985 when he joined the LCSO C.B. Posse, steadily rising through the ranks to the position of lieutenant. In 1989, while still serving in the posse, he volunteered at aviation as a reserve tactical flight officer, showcasing his dedication to public safety aviation. In January 2000, his commitment was recognized when he was hired as a full-time employee into the aviation unit. Over the years, Majors has played pivotal roles within the LCSO, including being promoted to sergeant in 2014 and assuming command of the aviation unit. Throughout his tenure, Majors has spearheaded numerous initiatives and achievements within the LCSO. He was instrumental in procuring and outfitting the new Bell 505 helicopter, marking the first new aircraft purchased for the unit since its inception in 1974. Additionally, he played a key role in establishing the LCSO/Tallahassee PD Aviation Task Force, expanding the reach and effectiveness of airborne law enforcement operations in Tallahassee/Leon County and beyond. Majors' expertise extends beyond the LCSO, as he is recognized as a subject matter expert in airborne law enforcement operations nationally. He has lent his technical and safety guidance to numerous agencies, assisting them with aviation unit start-ups and equipment procurement. Majors is a pilot with over 5,600 hours of logged pilot-in-command time. He holds Federal Aviation Administration certifications as an airline transport pilot, flight instructor for helicopters and single-engine land and sea airplanes, instrument flight instructor, and advanced ground school instructor, among others. Outside of his professional endeavors, Majors is actively involved in various organizations and community initiatives. He serves on the board of directors for the Airborne Public Safety Association, where he currently holds the position of treasurer. He also volunteers with organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association, Lively Technical College Airframe and Powerplant School Occupational Advisory Council, and the Boy Scouts of America. Majors' dedication to aviation safety, law enforcement, and community service has made a lasting impact on the public safety aviation community worldwide. Thank you to our sponsors Becker Avionics , SHOTOVER and Bell