Tim "Topper" Nelson is a native of Washington State and began his law enforcement career in the United States Army in October of 1986. While performing all aspects of Military Police work at his first assignment at Fort Hood Texas, he applied and was accepted for the Warrant Officer/U.S. Army Flight School Program at Fort Rucker Alabama and was accepted 1 year later. After successful completion of the 9 week Warrant Officer Training Program and a 1 year long flight school course, He was transferred to Fort Lewis Washington. He was made a pilot in command and attended the combat lifesaver course, Aviation Safety Officer Course and the Night Vision Goggle Unit Trainer Course.

After serving over 7 years in the Army as a decorated combat veteran, he left the military as a CW2 Instructor Pilot and began flying in Hawaii learning all aspects of the industry to include: External Load and Firefighting, EMS, Sightseeing Tours and VIP charters. With over 9000 hours of Accident free flying, Topper has been with the company since the first opening in Las Vegas.

In 1999 Topper began his law enforcement career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2001. While at LVMPD, he was trained in the use of the PR-24 Baton, Breathalyzer, HGN and Drug recognition. He resigned from LVMPD in April of 2002 and attended the NAPA Valley Community College to transfer his Nevada P.O.S.T. to California. Upon completion of that course, he was sworn in as a full time deputy sheriff in Merced County California where he flew for the Air Support Unit until 2006.

Tim is currently the Chief of Staff for Silver State Helicopters. He is on the Board of supervisors for the Specialized Airborne Law Enforcement (S.A.B.L.E.) committee and is an integral part of the safety committee. He is a Search and Rescue Pilot, a turbine transition trainer, a Law enforcement aerial observer trainer and an external load trainer and pilot. He is a member of Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA), a member of the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) and is qualified in Pistol, Shotgun and Rifle.

He has been rated as PIC in all of the company’s aircraft to include the Bell 222SP, Bell UH-1H Huey and the Bell 407 and holds a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. In addition, Topper has been recognized by Helicopter Association International (HAI) as a SAFE pilot.