HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.—Inside the hangar of the Huntington Beach Police Department Air Support Bureau, city officials gathered Feb. 8 for the inaugural flight of its first of three new helicopters.
“Our police department currently has the best equipment so they can protect our residents,’’ Mayor Tony Strickland said.
With airspeeds of up to 150 mph, the helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art communication instruments, high-definition cameras, and what are known as “Night Sun” spotlights capable of delivering a wide flood of light during patrol and search and rescue operations.
“Anybody that’s been a police officer knows there’s nothing more comforting than when you’re out there and you’re looking for somebody or you’re in a situation that is dangerous than when you request an airship and it’s overhead,” Huntington Beach Police Chief Eric Parra said.
“It’s like the voice of God coming over you,” he said.
Aside from air patrols, the Air Support Bureau responds to all major incidents that include vehicle pursuits, robberies, extensive traffic collisions, structure fires, and boats in distress.
“We’re lucky enough to have this, and we’re lucky enough to have outstanding pilots and an outstanding crew,” Parra said, giving a special nod to the mechanics of their fleet.
“They tirelessly work on these aircraft, and they tirelessly keep them going,” he said.
The Air Support Bureau has been in operation since 1968, and currently also works with the police departments of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Irvine.
