The Night Vision Awards recognized a record number of law enforcement units for use of night vision goggles during Airborne Law Enforcement Assn.’s Expo in Reno, Nevada, last week. After receiving a record number of entries, the sponsors — two of which are Aviation Specialties Unlimited and Nightflight Concepts — handed out awards in seven categories.

Four of the awards are given for successfully using the goggles for a certain period of time. The award for five years of use was given to Baltimore County Police Dept. Aviation Team. The 10-Year Service award was given to Redlands Police Dept. Air Support Unit of California, Riverside County Sheriff's Dept. Aviation Unit of California, Seminole County Sheriff's Office of Florida and Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Langley Air Section of British Columbia, Canada. The award for 15 years was given to Alachua County Joint Aviation Unit of Florida, Leon County Sheriff's Office Aviation Section of Florida, Collier County Sheriff's Office Aviation Bureau of Florida and Sonoma County Sheriff's Office of California. Georgia State Patrol Aviation Division received an award for 20 years of successful night-vision goggle use.

Seminole County Sheriff’s Office also took home the Community Awareness Award. This award is “given to those who raise awareness about the need for night-vision goggles, help other organizations obtain night-vision goggles or work to bring goggles to their own fleet to enhance safety in their community,” according to the official awards' website.

Another two-time winner was Baltimore County Police Dept. Aviation Team. The unit also received the Mark of Excellence Award, which “recognizes a unit/company that signifies dedication to quality and excellence in their operation,” according to the website.

CHC Australia received the International Advancement Service Award, which is given to a unit “that champions the need for night-vision goggles and systems outside of North America,” according to the website.

This Night Vision Awards reception was the first since it became a biennial event.