Russell Prats

I was a police officer for 27 years working for local law enforcement. The last twenty four and a half of those years were with the Tampa Police Department.

I worked in a few different areas of the department as an officer. Four of my years were in the uniform patrol division which included criminal investigations and traffic law enforcement. I spent 2 years in the street anti-crime unit. Those duties included plain clothes and under cover assignments involving directed stakeouts in high crime areas and reverse sting operations with other under cover officers.

I worked 18 years in the police department aviation unit as a tactical flight officer and 13 of which as a Flight Officer (Pilot). During my time in the unit I obtained multiple aircraft ratings and licenses as determined by FAA Regulations and Standards.

For 18 years I was a member of the Tactical Response Team (SWAT). This assignment highlighted my ability to work in a team environment and the importance of personnel management and the ability to work with other members. As a team member i was responsible for maintaining proficiency with 5 different firearms and additional Less Lethal weapons. My 18 years on the team exposed me to multiple different tactical scenarios, high risk VIP security details, and security for large scale sporting events.

SEL Commercial Fixed Wing/Instrument Rating-

150 Hours total time

Rotorcraft Commercial Rated-

2000 hours turbine 

Licensed Part 107 UAS Pilot