Episode 16 - Past, Present & Future: ECHO's Blueprint for Supporting Public Safety Aviation

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.

In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Jody Gregory, ECHO president, and Joe Zarek, ECHO vice-president, to discuss the many intricacies of this community-driven organization dedicated to supporting all aspects of public safety aviation.

Together, they dive deep into ECHO’s origin story, the values that drive its mission, and the programs making a real difference—from mental health and peer support to safety initiatives, networking, and education. You’ll hear about the Future Flight Crew program, the integration of the Education Committee, and what’s on the horizon for ECHO, including upcoming conferences, and new directions in law enforcement and military aviation.

So, whether you're a seasoned ECHO member, new to the organization, or just thinking about joining, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and dedication, and is sure to give you an insider's perspective into an organization that's lifting each other up—literally and figuratively.

There’s an AIRMET for turbulence, because the ECHO is definitely getting louder! So, buckle up and enjoy this engaging conversation with some of the ECHO leadership team.

Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Spectrum Aeromed and Technisonic.