HCSO Aviation Unit Overhauls Marine Unit Watercraft
In preparation for the upcoming boating season, The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is working to overhaul five vessels that makeup the HCSO’s Marine Unit.
Cpl. Dave Calianno, Chief Pilot of the Aviation Unit, was assigned to oversee the extensive repair and maintenance project.
With two recent retirements from the Marine Unit, the three-man Aviation Unit was tasked with getting the fleet fully operational in time for a new deputy to take over the Marine Unit assignment this spring.
Cpl. Calianno, along with Scott Schulz and B.J. Hart, helped complete the needed repairs and maintenance, in addition to performing their regularly assigned duties.
By completing a majority of the work in-house, the Sheriff’s Office was able to save a considerable amount of taxpayer dollars. All scheduled maintenance and repairs on the watercraft should be completed by the end of next week.
Sheriff Al Neinhuis said he is consistently impressed with the team spirit of his people.
“Even though the economy is rebounding somewhat, using resources wisely and saving tax dollars is always important to our citizens,” he said. “There is no doubt my people take pride in that challenge.”
The Sheriff added that members of my Aviation Unit are experts in maintaining their equipment.
“The fact that they were excited to help out another area of the Sheriff’s Office is a credit to their dedication and professionalism,” he said. “I am sure the citizens of Hernando County appreciate their efforts as much as I do.”
The following is a list of the work the Aviation Unit performed on each vessel:
Airboat
• The rewiring of the vessel
• Rebuilt the electric hydraulic pump for the power pole anchor
• Replaced the hydraulic lines
• Installed new navigation lighting
• Installed new LED spot and flood lighting
22-foot Boston Whaler
• Completed an exterior detailing to remove water stains and rub marks
• Installed new navigation lights and overhead dome light
• Installed new anchors and lines
• Repaired existing trailer lighting
Two Yamaha Wave Runners
• Completed an exterior cleaning, buffing and waxing of both vessels
• Extensive cleaning of both engine compartments
• Installed new HCSO decals
Sea Hunt
• This vessel and its trailer are still being evaluated for service.
