Comment on FR Doc # E9-15157

As Director of Operations for our law enforcement aviation unit, I am submitting these comments in opposition to this proposed federal rule change. This change will elimate aircraft, parts and commodities that are currently made available for law enforcement, museums, education and training. The proposed change will affect the Donation Program to the exten that we in law enforcement stand to lose aircraft, flight training and maintenance equipment, parts and commodities, and access to much needed replacement parts and supplies. Over the past several years we have operated aircraft received through the 1033 program. We have raised significant funds to refurbish these aircraft and equip them with specialized equipment for search & rescue and law enforcement missions. Many lives have been saved as a direct result of our having this air support available. Without the federal programs through which these aircraft and related items are obtained, no such missions could be flown as the vast majority of agencies could never afford to purchase new aircraft and equipment. Our aircraft are used not only for our village in Northern Illinois, but throughout a large region that includes some of the most densly populated areas of our Country. Additionally, we have the largest concentration of nuclear power plants and the shores of Lake Michigan in our immediate area, all of which are subject to potential acts of terrorism. During incidents of natural disaster we are able to surveil the areas to enhance the response times of our 1st responders, as well as transport supplies, search for survivors, etcteras. We charge nothing for this air support service, which is made possible first by the federal programs under which we obtain the aircraft, and secondly by donations and contributions to fund operations. Any police, sheriff or fire/rescue agency may call on this vital service 24/7/365. Countless callouts for missing children and adults have been handled over the past several years. We can search an area by air, with FLIR and NightSun searchlights, in minutes with two officers on board, when it would take hours and dozens of officers on the ground to search the same area. Only through the Donation Program are taxpayers able to get 100% use of their tax dollar. Keeping these aircraft and other items in the public domain helps to insure that the items are in use until they are literally unable to have any further practical use. If this proposed federal rule change passes, we fear that our aviation program will come into jeapordy, as we can not afford to purchase new parts for our OH58 and UH1 aircraft. Please consider carefully and fully the ramifications of this rules change. It will not only prevent other law enforcement agencies from starting up this much needed air support service, but it will virtually eliminate the ability to carry on for those of us who have worked so hard to serve the public in this manner. Thank you.