Calgary Police Service marks three decades of HAWCS, legacy of fallen officer

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is celebrating one its most valuable assets Wednesday, and remembering the tragedy that sparked it.

CPS is marking the 30th anniversary of its Helicopter Air Watch for Community Safety (HAWCS) and the Air Support Unit.

HAWCS was established following the death of Const. Rick Sonnenberg in October 1993.

In the early hours of Oct. 8, 1993, Sonnenberg and his partner were alerted about a stolen vehicle.

As it was headed in their direction, the officer tried to lay down a spike belt.

He was hit by the speeding car and died instantly.

A youth out on bail was convicted of criminal negligence causing death, hit and run and possession of stolen vehicle.

Sonnenberg, 27, was with the service just under four years and was about to announce his engagement to be married.

Following his death, his sister Lisa created the Rick Sonnenberg Memorial Society.

With overwhelming support from the public, the society raised $1.5 million to fund the CPS’ first patrol helicopter.

HAWC1 took flight for the first time on July 18, 1995.

Calgary became the first municipal police agency in Canada to operate a full-time aerial patrol program.

“Constable Sonnenberg’s legacy lives on in every mission we fly,” said Sgt. Brent Hutt of the Air Support Unit. “HAWCS is more than an air support program; it’s a symbol of innovation, dedication, and community partnership.”

CPS says technology has advanced significantly since that first flight. Today, the service has two Airbus H125 helicopters with high-resolution cameras, searchlights, loudhailers and secure radios. The aircraft provides rapid response and real-time support across Calgary and surrounding areas, day and night.

Each HAWCS flight covers the area of 14 patrol cars, but with a bird’s-eye view and advanced tools.

Since 2019, the helicopter has been called out 30,685 times and has supported 4,991 successful arrests, according to CPS.

In 2025, as of Oct. 2, HAWCS has already responded to 3,253 incidents and contributed to 498 arrests.

The service says the Air Support Unit has become a cornerstone of its public safety strategy.

“HAWCS has changed the way we police,” said Hutt. “We’re the eyes in the sky, guiding ground units, protecting officers, and keeping our city safe.”