Del. State Police, Dover ATC work to find solutions Published Oct. 16, 2013 By Senior Airman Jared Duhon 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Delaware State Police and air traffic controllers from the 436th Operations Support Squadron trained together here, Sept. 18, 2013. The training was conducted to help both parties understand each other's operating procedures, but more importantly develop plans to have better communication between the agencies. "We wanted to increase awareness of our mission and capabilities as state troopers to help controllers provide better service," said Cpl. Mike Branch, Delaware State Trooper paramedic. "Our thinking is, if they know what we are doing they can predict and adjust operations allowing for safe and smoother operations." The controllers discussed changes in procedures with the troopers, while the troopers talked about the helicopter's mechanical limitations as well as giving controllers a taste of what the troopers do. "I thought it was a great experience. The brief and the helicopter ride gave us a look at their perspective showing what they do on a daily basis which we can later use to help them do their job more efficiently," said Airman 1st Class Cody Nutting, 436th Airlift Wing air traffic controller apprentice. "To know that the pilots and crew are making constant "in-the-moment" decisions, and a lot of the time have lives in their hands, definitely gave me a respect for what they do." From tower to radar approach control, the day was seen as beneficial. "This training is very important, if we're not aware of their mission and abilities we will not know how to help them complete their mission," said Staff Sgt. Vanessa Baer, 436th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control watch supervisor. "A lot of what they mentioned in the meeting I would have never given a second thought to because we have our operations and we try to make it work on our side. We can't cater to their needs if we don't know how important it is." Corporal Don Pope, Delaware State Trooper, said teaching Airmen the training will be beneficial to prevent future incidents and misunderstandings. "It is good for us to share information because it allows us to fine tune each other's activities, this way they will know we are searching for bad guys or medically evacuating someone," said Pope. "Our meeting helped us learn about some changes and nomenclature, and we were able to teach the controllers about helicopter characteristics." Senior Master Sgt. Chad Zeigler, 436th OSS ATC tower chief controller, said this training opens dialogue allowing for resolution of any issues that may be lingering. "Any time two-way communication happens you ultimately come up with solutions," said Zeigler. Pope said communication between the two agencies is vital when you consider lives are at stake. "We handle a lot of trauma victims," said Pope. "Which is this patient needs to be in the emergency room now or they will die. We also handle a lot of criminal missions involving basic hunts for bad guys through terrain and vehicle pursuits."