ABOUT US
Based out of the Modesto City/County Airport, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Air Support Unit (ASU) started out as a volunteer based organization known as the Aero Squadron. It consisted of volunteer pilots and their fixed wing aircraft. In 1995, several OH-58 Helicopters were acquired through the Military and the unit expanded its fleet. The OH-58’s are now long gone and we currently operate two Bell Helicopters. The Helicopters were obtained through generous donations and county funding.
Over the last several years, the volunteers have been replaced with full time Deputies, both as Pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Located in the heart of the Central Valley, it is the only Public Safety Aviation Unit in the 1,500 square mile county. The unit flies approximately 800 hours per year on missions varying between law enforcement, search and rescue and drug interdiction.