Sergeant Cameron Conner is breaking new ground as he embarks on the next chapter of his career as the Henry County Sheriff’s Office’s first-ever helicopter pilot.

In a historic move for the 200-year-old metropolitan Atlanta agency, Conner will take to the skies in a Bell OH-58A Kiowa that was transferred from the Clayton County Police Department. Though such helicopters usually cost $3.5 million to $5 million, the agency was able to obtain it for just $75,000.

Having obtained his FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot License on May 2, the 29-year-old officer boasts an impressive record of 1,000 flight hours, solidifying his readiness for this exciting venture in law enforcement aviation.

With eight years of service under his belt, Conner has already garnered various certifications, including SWAT, motor and scuba qualifications. Additionally, he serves as the agency’s drone commander and holds a license as a skydiver.

In a news release, Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett expressed his enthusiasm for this landmark achievement: “This is an amazing milestone for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Sgt. Conner is an extraordinary young man with an extremely bright future. It’s because of his commitment to his career and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office that we now have an aviation unit.”

According to Scandrett, the helicopter will be made available to any law enforcement jurisdiction in the county, and will be used to assist officers on the ground and ensure their safety as the local population continues to grow.

“Henry County is the eighth-fastest growing county in the nation. Unfortunately, with an increase of people comes an increase in crimes,” Scandrett said when the department unveiled the new helicopter in January. “It’s extremely important that we advance in our ways of policing.”