Detective Royston Charles arrived in the United States at 13, pursuing the American dream. Today, he is a distinguished member of the New York Police Department’s elite aviation unit, piloting helicopters to assist in rescues, apprehensions, and tactical support operations.
Both personal experiences and family legacy inspired Charles’ journey into law enforcement. His father was a police officer in Guyana before their migration, and Charles himself was drawn to the opportunities within the NYPD. “I always wanted to do this. My apartment was ransacked when I was younger, and the responding officers were incredibly helpful. That experience solidified my desire to make a difference,” he said.
He began his career with the NYPD in 2008 and has since spent 17 years on the force, with 11 of those years dedicated to the aviation unit. “Being a cop in aviation is like being a cop in a patrol car, except you’re in a helicopter,” Charles explained. “The job is the same — assisting officers on the ground, tracking suspects, and ensuring public safety—but with a broader perspective from the sky.”
The aviation unit operates two types of helicopters: patrol helicopters for land-based operations and air-sea rescue helicopters for water rescues and medical evacuations. “A patrol helicopter might be called to assist in a car chase or locate a suspect in a backyard, while an air-sea rescue helicopter is deployed for incidents over water, such as sinking vessels or medical emergencies on cruise ships,” Charles said.
On a typical day, Charles and his team respond to multiple calls, particularly in the summer when water rescues increase. One of his most memorable missions involved rescuing a hiker suffering a heart attack on a remote mountain trail. “Getting him down would have taken hours, but we airlifted him to a hospital in minutes, saving his life,” he recounted.
Another notable case involved tracking a suspect in a stolen vehicle. “He saw the helicopter following him but still stopped to take pictures of us before being apprehended, thanks to our guidance to officers on the ground,” Charles said with a chuckle.
While his job is rewarding, Charles acknowledges the challenges. NYPD policies regarding vehicle pursuits have evolved, limiting chases to serious offenses. Despite these constraints, Charles remains dedicated to his role, ensuring safety from the skies.
“Helping people is what drives me. Whether it’s saving lives or supporting officers on the ground, I’m proud of our work,” he said.
After 17 years of service, Charles remains passionate about his mission, believing that the NYPD’s aviation unit is “the best department in the force.”
