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Washoe Officials Under Fire For Using Helicopter For Burning Man Trips

A new policy is in the works after a patrol helicopter transported relatives of two elected officials to the Burning Man festival.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports both Washoe County officials say the trips were not joyrides.

Helicopter program policies do not cover civilians riding along.

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Sheriff Chuck Allen took his wife and son aboard a Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit flight that was already scheduled for the trip.

County Commissioner Vaughn Hartung says he asked to bring his family after a former undersheriff invited him. He was accompanied by his wife and adult daughter.

Hartung previously flew over the Spaghetti Bowl in the helicopter, saying he wanted photos of a merging lane to send to the Regional Transportation Commission.

A commission official said the photos were never solicited or received.