Crime & Safety

Sheriff's ASTREA Receives Partnership Award From CalFire

The award honors the cooperation between law enforcement and fire agencies during wildfires and other emergencies.

When you see a blue-and-white helicopter overhead during a rescue or wildfire it's likely to be one of the Sheriff's ASTREA units, often mentioned in news stories.

On Friday, CalFire gave the ASTREA team an award acknowledging a partnership that began in 2005. ASTREA stands for Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies. Click here to see photos of the choppers.

As part of the partnership, law enforcement and Cal Fire go up in the helicopters together. The pilot is a Sheriff's deputy, and a Cal Fire captain rides along to handle radio operations. Depending on the type of unit, other Cal Fire personnel may ride in the back to help with a hoist or rescue.

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Sheriff Bill Gore received the award for the department Friday from Cal Fire Director Chief Ken Pimlott, as shown in these photos, posted by the Sheriff's Department on its Facebook page.

The ASTREA helicopters fly out of Gillespie Field in El Cajon. The program began in San Diego County in 1970 and was named after the Greek Goddess of Justice, Astraea, according to this history on the Sheriff Department's website.

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