Official Denies Issuance Of Restricted Weapon

A volunteer police helicopter patrol in Abbotsford, British Columbia has been abolished because the pilot demanded to be armed with a Taser and was denied.

Dean Russell had donated his time and helicopter for the past three years, flying police officers on regular aerial patrols, pursuing suspects, spotting fires and transporting emergency aid to remote accident sites, according to CBCNews.

But having a front row seat to more than a few "tense" arrests, Russell said he became a little concerned about his safety on the ground.

"I wear a flight suit just as the other officer, and I'd been starting to get concerned about my safety. Should someone take a dislike to me or my partner, I had no way to defend myself," said the retired businessman.

So, he requested clearance to carry a Taser, a personal electroshock weapon, and informed the police department he would stop participating in the patrols if he didn't get it.

Abbotsford Police Chief Ian Mackenzie said he didn't think the situation warranted his issuing a restricted weapon to a civilian.

"There were a couple of situations where he was in transport to the airport with a police officer who pulled a person over, and he felt a bit concerned about his safety, but the officer was in control of the situation, and it was no different than if we had a ridealong in the car," he said.

Russell admits he'll miss working with the police department and notes the program had been credited with saving "quite a few lives."

FMI: www.abbotsfordpolice.org