EQUIPMENT rotorcraft
Latapie also describes the unit’s and
their equipment. “Both
are good helicopters for their age and we are able to make them complete our operational requirements for now. As for mission equipment, we share a FLIR 8000 camera between the two helicopters, and install it on whichever one is scheduled for that night’s patrol. The Long Ranger carries an Aero Computer moving map system, Technisonic law en- forcement radio with encrypted VHF, UHF, and 800 MHz. It also has dual cargo hooks for long-line rescue, plus dual belly-lights for night rescues. A Spectralab SX-5 searchlight is also carried.”
The unit also uses ANVIS 9 NVGs during
night fl ights, especially in rural areas. “NVGs extended our night capabilities 1,000 fold,” Latapie explains. “After dark we were very limited on where we could go and how low we could fl y. This left the
34 July 2014
rural and rugged areas inaccessible to not only the Air Support Unit, but sometimes anyone. Now we can get a call virtual- ly anywhere in our region and be able to safely respond. You may be able to re- spond without NVGs, but safety is the key in deciding to dispatch or deny a fl ight.”
Standard rescue gear carried is rope, a Bauman Bag, a traverse stretcher, a half
back extrication/lift harness, and
horse collar. The crew also has medi- cal backpacks. On the unit’s wish list is a Bambi Bucket for supporting fi re operations. Personal rescue equipment for fl ight offi cers includes: wet suits, fi ns, harnesses, refl ective gloves, Heed bottles (for emergency air), aviation life support equipment vests, and Bluetooth commu- nication devices. A fully auto suppressed AR-15 carbine rifl e is also brought along during law enforcement operations
The unit’s aircraft are maintained by
its director of maintenance and a staff mechanic, who work together to keep everything in the best condition possible. Latapie compliments, “These guys keep us fl ying and make sure we are available more often than not.”
The Air Support Unit has a big job with many responsibilities. Its members do their best to provide the Stanislaus County Sheriff ’s Department, and the community at large, the services they request.
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