By SDCN Editor
El Cajon, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department unveiled two new fire and patrol helicopters that will provide added protection to the community and critical support to deputies on the ground during emergency calls.
At a news conference Monday, Sheriff Kelly Martinez, joined by County Supervisor Joel Anderson (2nd District), and CalFire Chief Tony Mecham introduced the state-of-the-art helicopters at the Aerial Support to Law Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA) Base in El Cajon.
“The new Helicopter will dramatically improve our response to both wildfires and our ability to rescue people in remote areas,” said Tony Mecham, County Fire and Cal Fire San Diego Unit Chief.
The 412EPX helicopter is designed to operate in challenging environments, and weather conditions typically encountered during firefighting missions. The Sheriff’s Department’s collaboration with Cal Fire will continue with seven firefighters on board the 412 during fire calls. This unified front is crucial in stopping fires before they become catastrophic.
The 407GXi helicopter is dedicated to law enforcement operations day or night. It has a cutting-edge flight deck with precision navigation allowing pilots to accurately track and respond to incidents. The 407 has a powerful engine for speed in responding to emergencies and patrol coverage crucial for law enforcement missions. It can be equipped with a bucket to help with water drops.
The helicopters will significantly enhance the Sheriff’s Department’s ability to respond to emergencies to minimize the impact on lives and property for everyone in the county.
The helicopters cost $1 million using the department’s budget and Proposition 172 funds.
ASTREA is the aviation unit and has been providing aerial support to the Sheriff’s Department and partner agencies across the county since 1971. It averages nearly 6,000 missions per year to support patrol, as well as fire and rescue calls throughout the region.
