about sr3
Because You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
SR3 was born from the profoundly felt loss of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue Officer Dave VanBuskirk. Callsign SR3, Dave lost his life during a routine search and rescue mission in 2013. He was methodical, highly trained, driven, and dedicated to his career and the people he served.
Safety Focused Since 2018
The robust team at SR3 is comprised of 18 seasoned public safety and search and rescue veterans with real-world expertise. From flight instructors and hoist operators to rescue technicians and tactical officers, we hand-select trainers who match your aircraft and mission profile to deliver the most relevant, effective instruction.
dave callen
Co-Founder, Operations Manager, Chief Flight Instructor
A U.S. Navy veteran, Dave has a passion for teaching and sharing valuable skills and information that help increase safety, save lives, and make teams stronger. An FAA helicopter certificated flight instructor (CFI) and NVG instructor, he oversees the daily operations of SR3 while also serving as the chief instructor. His background includes 20 years of service in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) as a sergeant, rescue pilot, flight instructor, and chief pilot of external load operations in multiple light and medium helicopters.
Rob Munday
Director of training
A seasoned hoist operator, rescue technician, rappel firefighter, and helitack coordinator, Rob is responsible for designing and implementing SR3’s hoist, long line, and rappel training courses. His diverse helicopter operations background includes search and rescue, medevac, firefighting, utility, law enforcement, and maritime missions in North America and Australia, allowing him to strengthen SR3’s instruction with an expansive international perspective. Rob also serves as manager of SR3’s Canadian office.
In Honor of Dave VanBuskirk
SR3 was founded to honor LVMPD Officer David VanBuskirk, callsign ‘SR3.’ David lost his life during a night hoist rescue on July 22, 2013.
Dave was an extremely dedicated, focused, safety-oriented, and very professional rescuer. He was also a man of integrity, discipline, strength, service, courage, knowledge and loyalty. SR3 was founded and named after David’s callsign in hopes of saving future lives. In response to demand for information about rescue hazards and how to avoid them, the company soon expanded into a full-time training organization to help agencies increase safety and reduce risk of a tragic accident due to lack of awareness or training.
Dave strived to make everyone around him better. He was completely selfless with a profound understanding of the value of investing in people and service to community. SR3 lives by these principles daily in honor of our dear friend.
Memberships & Associations
SR3 stays active in the industry across multiple disciplines to remain current on issues, best practices, procedures, and hazards. Our team also regularly participates in these associations through seminars, presentations, and workshops.