Captain Jim Di Giovanna retired as commander of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Aero Bureau on March 30, 2006, having been assigned to the aviation unit since January 1989. His 34-year law enforcement career also included assignments as a patrol deputy, patrol and operations sergeant and patrol lieutenant watch commander, along with assignments at the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, Field Operations Headquarters and Custody Division.

Captain Jim Di Giovanna is a commercial pilot, helicopter- and instrument-rated, with over 5,800 flight hours. As unit commander of the Aero Bureau, he was responsible for managing aviation operations for the largest sheriff's department in the United States. While supervising 72 sworn and civilian sheriff's department personnel, Captain Di Giovanna had responsibility for directing and overseeing the operation and maintenance of the department's 15 rotary-wing and three fixed-wing aircraft.

Captain Jim Di Giovanna also served in the military, retiring in 2001 as a Colonel and Master Army Aviator from the California Army National Guard and United States Army Reserves after 35 years of service. His many military assignments included Director of Army Aviation and Safety for the State of California and Commander, Aviation Brigade, 40th Infantry Division. He is a graduate of the Army Aviation Accident Prevention and Safety Course and the University of Southern California School of Aviation Safety and Systems Management. Jim Di Giovanna is the co-author of Tactical Helicopter Missions: How to Fly Safe, Effective Airborne Law Enforcement Missions.