Susanville Aero Squadron Formed
March 6, 1948
Sheriff’s Aero Squadron was organized Thursday night and its six charter members deputized by Lassen County Sheriff Olin S. Johnson.
Captained by James Lewis, charter members are Lieutenants Ches Agee and Leslie Mastolier; other members S. R. Carlomagno, Frank Corson and Mirl Simmons, Corson and Mostoher were civilian flight instructors during the war and the others are all veterans of the U. S. air corps.
The group will meet the first Monday of each month and will operate in a similar way as the Lassen County Sheriff’s Posse. First steps in organizing the local group were made about three weeks ago.
This group is one of many being organized throughout the country and is set up for emergency service. The pilots can be called on for air search as well as ground duty if the occasion arises.
Requirements for application to membership are that a pilot must have either private or commercial license, plus 500 hours of flying time. They must also have the approval of the membership committee and Sheriff Johnson.
Although ownership of a plane is not required, members of the aero squadron must have access to a plane on a short notice at any time.
