Derek Ralph

Background

About Derek Ralph

In his early career, Derek deployed as an Infantryman to Baghdad Iraq in early 2004. While assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, Derek’s infantry company conducted long range patrols in support of high value personnel security missions. Derek’s platoon worked closely with various PSD teams such as Blackwater, Triple Canopy, Dyncorp, and other coalition forces. Derek returned home in March of 2005 and worked for A.T. Systems for a short time as an armored truck driver. Derek joined the San Diego Sheriff’s Department in 2006. A few years later as a National Guardsman, Derek deployed to Tikrit Iraq from 2008-2009 in support of convoy security missions with 1-185 Infantry. Derek left the Army National Guard as a Sergeant after serving over 9 years, with 4 years active duty service. Throughout his 16+ year career with the Sheriff’s Department, he was assigned to jail operations, patrol, training officer, community oriented policing team, served 3 years as a Special Enforcement Detail/S.W.A.T operator, and 9 years assigned to the air support unit known as ASTREA. While assigned to ASTREA, Derek worked as a tactical flight officer and helicopter pilot conducting patrol support, high altitude surveillance, fire response coordination, and medical rescue missions. Derek achieved roles as a TFO unit trainer, thermography expert and instructor, air support tactics instructor, and mission management systems expert and trainer. Derek created the TFO training syllabus employed at ASTREA today. Through the application of new tactics and equipment, ASTREA saw a 200% increase in locating suspects, and an 84% increase in locating missing people. Derek designed ASTREA’s current fleet of ASTREA’s Bell 407GXi helicopters. He wrote grants and asset forfeiture requests to fund the acquisition of new thermal imaging systems, and also designed the current video downlink system used county-wide. Prior to retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, Derek wrote a staff study detailing the necessity of replacing ASTREA’s fleet of aging Bell 205 fire/rescue helicopters with new Bell 412EPX helicopters. The report was approved by senior departmental staff, and the county board of supervisors approved the acquisition. Derek now works as a First Officer for SkyWest Airlines flying the Embraer 175. Derek also serves as a part-time instructor for Tactical Flying Incorporated, teaching manned and unmanned air support unit tactics, safety, and thermography throughout the United States.