Original Message

After getting property owner permission, and making certain I am not violating any city, county, state, or Federal statutes, regulations or laws: I always notify the local Fire Department that I intend to land off airport/helicopter and ask if they would like to standby with a fire truck and EMT.  The Fire Department is usually very happy to standby and assist with securing the area.  If the Fire Department has any "safety" concerns about my intended operation they will tell me and we work together in the spirit of reducing hazards to as low as resonably probable - or when the Fire Department is concerned, I request their help in finding a safer area near by.  I never ask the police unless the Fire Depatrment suggest they need police assistance.  The police (to include airborne law enforcement) are far more difficult to work with.