REGINA — Members of the Regina Police Service Aerial Support Unit (ASU) were recently recognized internationally for their work in keeping the citizens of Regina and area safe.
In late July, Sgt. Steve Wyatt (ASU Pilot) and Cst. Corrie Neufeld (ASU Tactical Flight Officer) received the Airborne Public Safety Association “Fixed-Wing Operator Award.” The award identifies and recognizes a pilot and/or crew member whose performance of their duties utilizing a fixed-wing aircraft has had a significant impact on the operation of their agency.
Sgt. Wyatt and Cst. Neufeld are part of a six-person team working two separate shifts patrolling Regina from the sky. In 2025, the pair responded to approximately 1,800 calls for service, directly contributing to the arrest of 480 individuals and 900 Criminal Code charges being laid.
The award highlighted several instances where their contributions have helped save lives and hold offenders accountable:
- Locating a missing person in critical condition: Using the aircraft’s infrared camera technology, Sgt. Wyatt and Cst. Neufeld located a missing, suicidal individual in a green space. The individual was found unconscious and in life-threatening condition. From the air, they directed patrol officers and emergency response personnel on the ground to the exact location. The individual was taken to hospital and survived.
- Assisting in the apprehension of suspects driving dangerously: Sgt. Wyatt and Cst. Neufeld assisted the RCMP in tracking a stolen vehicle driving dangerously on Highway 11. After evading RCMP officers and reaching speeds up to 200 km/h, the suspects entered Regina and continued driving recklessly for several hours, even after driving over tire deflation devices. When the vehicle finally became disabled, and the suspect fled on foot, the ASU maintained continuous observation from above and directed patrol and canine unit officers to their location. The suspect was arrested without further incident.
- Supporting a homicide investigation: Sgt. Wyatt and Cst. Neufeld tracked a suspect vehicle after it fled from officers attempting a traffic stop. ASU monitored the vehicle from above and observed the occupants abandon the vehicle and flee. They directed officers on the ground to the location of the suspect vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers discovered a deceased individual in the trunk. The investigation ultimately resulted in charges being laid.
While this award recognizes two of the six team members, it is a testament to the crucial work being carried out by the RPS Aerial Support Unit, says RPS. Together, with the rest of the Service, the ASU is creating a safer city and holding offenders accountable, the service adds.
In just the past month(July 16 to Aug.16), they have responded to 186 calls for service and has been involved in 31 people arrested with 56 charges laid.
