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Police Helicopters are quickly becoming a thing of the past. When the helicopters themselves cost anywhere from 500,000 to 3 Million dollars to purchase and have operating costs around 400 bucks per hour to fly nobody can afford them anymore. Not that anyone outside of a handful of major metropolitan police departments ever could.

But that doesn’t take away the fact that having eyes in the sky can and does offer incredible advantages when it comes to public safety.

In 2025 that means drones.

Over the last decade we have seen drone use increase among police department across the US. Starting with search and rescue functions the use of drones has continued to grow just as the technology has improved and today we have full time drone pilots in agencies all over the US.

I had the pleasure to speak with Matt Rowland. Since 2017 Matt has been a member of the Unmanned Air Support Unit with the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is currently a full-time drone pilot and an advocate of the technology.

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Author Willet Ryder said “Hobbies are both a mystery and a delight. They’re a mystery because many people with hobbies don’t always share them with others. They’re a delight because of the pure joy they provide to the hobbyist, making hours pass like minutes!”

But don’t take my word for it, listen to the experts.

First, hobbies help improve your mental health. Hobbies are a powerful tool to manage stress and improve your mood. Creative hobbies such as writing, painting, and yes roleplaying can substantially reduce depression, anxiety and stress. Studies have linked creative hobbies to lowering Cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and improving mood.

Second, physical hobbies will keep you alive. Moving everyday is important and taking on physical hobbies such as cycling, skiing, kayaking, running, hiking, or even walking can have significant effect on your retired self. You will be amazed at how fast your physical health can get away from you after retirement. You don’t have to fit into a uniform anymore and since people aren’t trying to kill you everyday you don’t “need” to stay in shape. But never forget that couch is a killer.

Third, mentally stimulating hobbies like learning a foreign language, taking up a musical instrument, or solving puzzles can significantly improve your cognitive function including memory and can reduce the risk of dementia later in life.

Fourth, hobbies can significantly improve our social life. If you’re a cop then most of your friends are cops and I have some bad news for you, the day you retire will be the last day you hear from those friends.

Do not underestimate the importance of social connections after retirement and hobbies are one of the best ways to meet people and interact with them.

And fifth, as a cop we always felt a sense of accomplishment. It’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. From locking up the bad guy, to changing a lady’s tire, everyday you were able to take something away from that job, something important, what you did mattered.

When you retire do you really matter anymore?

These are just a few of the benefits of having hobbies.

Check out my roleplaying podcast:

https://oddfishgames.com/pages/the-epic-adventure-podcast

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William Osler was a Canadian physician and one of the “Big 4” founders of John Hopkins Hospital. He created the first “residency” program for training physicians and he has been called the father of modern medicine.

I think it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two.

Osler once said “No man is really happy or safe without a hobby.”

That is especially true for law enforcement.

The stress of law enforcement can cause tremendous mental and physical problems if not addressed and hobbies go a long way to help alleviate that stress.

Not only does it help on the job, but once retirement rolls around and you hang up those 12-hour days on the emotional rollercoaster, you better have something to occupy your time.

Otherwise, that couch will be calling your name.

And that couch is a killer.

I wanted to talk to a retired officer that mastered the art of hobbies and one name rose right to the top.

David Rhodes.

Dave started with the Indiana University Police Department in 1980 and spent the next 40 years patrolling, investigating, and training new officers. He retired as the Lieutenant in charge of training at IUPD, and while his law enforcement career is impressive his off-duty life is just as interesting. In my opinion Dave mastered the art of hobbies. From martial arts, to music, to becoming a published author, Dave is never bored.