Ranger) with an upgraded 250-C30 engine. The two Rangers give the unit additional pay- load capabilities and operational-certified airframes. It is hoped the older Bell 206B helicopter will soon be replaced with a more modern Bell 407 or 429 helicopter.
PATROLS AND PERSONNEL The Air Support Unit is on call 24/7 and
can usually launch within 30 minutes for law enforcement or search and rescue missions. Typical calls include lost hiker or child searches, river search and rescue, crime suppression, location of stolen cars, and homeland security support. Surveillance and anti-drug flights also take place upon request, whereas regularly scheduled flights begin in early spring and continue through fall. These flights are usually flown Friday through Sun- day, with hours adjusted according to need. Also, the unit routinely works with other local, state, and federal agencies.
Currently, the Air Support Unit is staffed with two full-time sworn pilots, and one retired sworn pilot who maintains reserve status and flies when needed. The unit also has two tactical flight officers (TFOs) from the sheriff’s department and two additional TFOs from Modesto’s police department.
TRAINING
As for training, Sergeant Rob Latapie, who is also a pilot, tells Rotorcraft Pro, “We train all year round, and typically try to get out as a group twice a month to practice long-line rescues and other tactical operations with our SWAT and search and rescue teams. We practice technical insertions of the teams around the county, from the rural and mountain areas to the more populated urban areas. Since we are the closest SAR asset in our area, we do our best to stay trained for any contingency. We also work with other local SWAT teams and maintain a relationship with them so they know we are available, if requested. Recently, we started coordinating a regular training relationship with neighbor- ing Tuolumne and Calaveras counties so they can utilize us if they need help.”
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