About Us

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.

A REGIONAL FORCE

The Stanislaus County ASU is one of very few Aviation Units in the region which provide law enforcement assistance as well as search and rescue. We are often called upon by various local, state, and federal agencies to assist in incidents including but not limited to: vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, perimeters, search and rescues, insertion and extrication of critical personnel, and critical incidents of all types.

CREW

The Stanislaus County ASU consists of two Deputy Sheriff Pilots, four Deputy Sheriff TFOs, and one Modesto Police Department TFO. Each mission consists of at least one pilot and one TFO, which makes up the minimum essential crew. When a mission calls for additional personnel, additional TFOs or other specialized personnel are added to assist for a successful mission.

COMBINED OPERATIONS

Currently, the ASU is a part time unit which provides assistance to patrol within the county for multiple agencies. In addition, the ASU has been called to provide assistance for SWAT operations and Search and Rescue missions in and out of our county. The ASU is a force multiplier in the Region and an incredible asset.

DIVERSE REGION

Stanislaus County and its surrounding area are made up of a diverse landscape. Lakes, rivers, dams, and deep-steep treacherous canyons make for a diverse region. We can be called upon at any time to assist in any of the above areas for search and rescue, drug interdiction, insertion and or extrication of critical personnel.

SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT

Our Bell Long Ranger is equipped with state of the art equipment to assist in the Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue aspect of our missions. GPS, night vision goggles (for night missions), moving map systems, infra-red cameras, and a 30 million candle power spot light (Night Sun) are some of the equipment used to enhance and assist in assuring that our missions are executed flawlessly.

LONG LINE RESCUE

longline Also assisting in search and rescue is a technique called long line rescue. Refined and mastered by the crew of Henry-1 of Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department, it is a safe and expedient manner in which our rescues are performed. The TFOs are suspended below the helicopter on a 50-200 foot static line and brought to where the victim is. The victim is then secured and moved to a safe location where additional rescue crews will be standing by to render aid.