January 25, 2008 -  

Sheriff Mike Kanalakis is proud to announce that the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has acquired a helicopter to better serve the citizens on Monterey County. The Sheriff's Tactical Airborne Response (STAR) will be a great addition to the Office of the Sheriff.

After 3-1/2 years of research and working on this project, the Monterey County Office of the Sheriff will have two helicopters available for use. The call signs for the two helicopters will be STAR 1 (Robinson R44 primary helicopter) and STAR 2 (Bell Jet Ranger while being used simultaneously or as a back up helicopter). Monterey County is the only Sheriff’s Office in the state using the Robinson R-44 helicopter. Three other cities in California also use the R-44; Fontana, El Monte and San Bernardino. The primary mission of the helicopter will be to support Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations. Secondary missions include Training Missions, Supporting Sheriff’s Office Specialized Units such as SWAT, County of Monterey Marijuana Eradication Team (COMMET), Sheriff’s Narcotics, Monterey County Joint Gang Task Force (GTF), Search and Rescue, Special Events, Transportation, Support to Allied Agencies, etc.

 View the helicopter in action! Click the Play button below to view the video. Can't see the video below? Get the Free Flash Player to see this player. Or, click here to download and view offline.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is located at 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas.

For information: Commander Alan Wheelus (831) 755-3761