Baltimore Officers' Daring Helicopter Rescue Saves a Man

When a life was on the line, Officers Andre Smith Jr. and Craig Hoover went above and beyond the call of duty with a daring air rescue.

by Admin

Sep 5, 2025

During a routine patrol over Baltimore, the day took a dramatic turn for Tactical Flight Officer Andre “Dre” Smith Jr. and Flight Officer Craig Hoover. A call came over the radio from emergency dispatch that grabbed their full attention: a “drowning arrest out of water.” A 25-year-old man needed immediate help at the closed Walter P. Carter Pool. For that man, it was a life-or-death call, and the officers knew every second was critical.

A Critical View from Above

From their vantage point in the Foxtrot helicopter, the officers had a clear but grim view. The situation was dire. Officer Smith’s voice could be heard making a swift, professional assessment over the police radio: "I'm putting the helicopter down in the field. This guy looks like he's not breathing or moving. He's in cardiac arrest. Have a medic get here ASAP." His partner, Officer Hoover, immediately began looking for an opening where he could safely land.

An Unprecedented Landing

The moment called for a split-second decision that went far beyond standard procedure. “Dre pretty much said, ‘I’ll CPR if you can get me on the ground,’” Officer Hoover recalled. With that, Hoover located a small, grassy field at a nearby school and expertly piloted the helicopter to the ground. This type of field landing was a first for both men. "We’ve never had anything in the books for landing in a grassy area in the back of a school to do a water rescue,” Smith later explained.

A Life Restored on the Ground

As soon as the helicopter was down, Officer Smith sprinted from the aircraft to save the man. His training and experience instantly took over. “I actually used to be a lifeguard in the city. That was my high school job pretty much up until I joined the police academy, so I knew right away — just looking at him on the video — that he was in bad shape, and he needed compressions pretty quick,” Smith told 11 News. His decisive actions worked, and he was able to get the man breathing again. Reflecting on the rescue, Smith praised his partner’s crucial role: “It was a tight spot to get in there, but again, my partner did a good job of getting down on the ground — and then the rest is history.”

A Final Thought

This incredible rescue is a powerful example of police officers' commitment to protecting and serving their community. It shows the courage to act in the face of uncertainty and a deep-seated instinct to help another human being. These are the moments that build community trust and remind us of the dedicated individuals who wear the badge.

Discover more stories about the human side of policing at welovepolice.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can police helicopters land anywhere in an emergency?

Generally, no. Police pilots adhere to strict aviation regulations and safety protocols, which include using designated airports or helipads. However, in an exigent, life-threatening circumstance, the pilot-in-command has the authority to deviate from standard procedures. A decision to land in an unprepared site is a calculated risk that weighs the danger of the maneuver against the certainty of harm to a person on the ground.

2. Are police officers trained to give CPR?

Yes. CPR and basic first aid are fundamental components of police academy training across the country. Officers are frequently the first to arrive at the scene of an accident or medical emergency, and their ability to provide immediate life-saving care before paramedics arrive is a critical and often-used skill. Many officers also bring prior experience to the job, such as service as a military medic or volunteer EMT.

3. How do police aviation units assist in rescues?

Police aviation units are a crucial resource with multiple capabilities. As an "eye in the sky," they provide an aerial perspective during pursuits or large-scale events, coordinate ground units, and use advanced technology like thermal imaging to search for missing persons or suspects. For direct rescues, they can perform hoist operations in inaccessible terrain, deliver specialized equipment, or rapidly deploy tactical teams.

4. What does a tactical flight officer do?

A tactical flight officer (TFO) is a sworn law enforcement officer who acts as the mission commander and systems operator in a police aircraft. While the pilot flies the helicopter, the TFO is responsible for operating the surveillance cameras, thermal imagers, and mapping systems. They also manage all communications with dispatchers and ground units, providing vital tactical information to coordinate an effective police response.

5. How do quick decisions in policing save lives?

In law enforcement, seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Officers are trained to rapidly assess complex, fast-evolving situations and make critical decisions under immense pressure. This ability, developed through rigorous training and on-the-job experience, allows them to take decisive action in emergencies, whether it's initiating a life-saving medical procedure, choosing a specific de-escalation tactic, or neutralizing a threat.

6. How does police teamwork lead to successful outcomes?

Policing is fundamentally a team-based profession. A successful outcome rarely hinges on one officer's actions but on the seamless coordination between multiple people and units. This includes the 911 dispatcher calmly gathering information, patrol officers responding as a team, detectives investigating leads, and specialized units like K-9 or aviation providing support. Clear communication and mutual trust are the foundation of all safe and effective police work.