Sonny boy introduces, Sonny horses 4 heroes program

Please join us in congratulating our November's Sonny Horses 4 Heroes Award Recipient SENIOR DEPUTY TRAVIS NEET in the Categories of Exceptional Dedication to Service, Exemplary Resilience Under Extreme Operational Adversity, and Life-Saving Actions During High Risk Rescue and Law-Enforcement Operations

On July 6, 2025, just after midnight, copter 9 was requested by Ventura County Fire Dispatch to respond to a critical incident in the remote wilderness above Santa Paula Canyon. A victim had reportedly been stabbed in the chest and required immediate rescue.
Copter 9 was staffed with rescue crew which included Sr Deputy Neet who was able to calmly and clearly coordinate numerous resources and assist the crew in completing complex maneuvers, essential to the success of both rescue and law-enforcement operations. He efficiently helped transport, armed Sheriffs personnel and performed a precise hover – offload roughly  this was a quarter of a mile above the crime scene. This allowed deputies to safely access the victim and secure the suspect.
Once the scene was stabilized, Sr Deputy Neet performed numerous intricate hoist operations, allowing the paramedic to reach and treat the injured victim. Following treatment, Sr Deputy Neet conducted a tandem hoist of the victim and paramedic, facilitating rapid transport to Ventura County, Medical Center, and providing the only viable path to life-saving medical care.
The mission did not end there. Sr Deputy Neet continued to demonstrate exceptional endurance, and composure over multiple, subsequent insertions and extractions of detectives, deputies, paramedics, and ultimately the suspect. Through repeated hoist evolutions, refueling cycles, and complex terrain operations conducted entirely and darkness, he maintained the highest standard of aviation, safety, operational discipline, and mission effectiveness throughout the over five hour duration of the call.
Senior Deputy Neet’s actions directly contributed to the safe rescue of a critically, injured victim, the successful apprehension of a dangerous suspect, and the safe return of all personnel involved. His skill, judgment, and unwavering dedication, embody the highest ideals of the Ventura County Sheriffs Office and the Aviation Unit.