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The fixed-wing airplane has already assisted PCSO Lt. Scott Elliott pictured prior to a flight in the 1976 Piper Super Cub.
by providing crucial air support while warrants were served during Operation Pipeline Express in October which targeted the Sinaloa Drug Cartel; dozens of suspects were arrested and thousands of pounds of marijuana was seized. Within the past month, the helicopter has been called out to assist other agencies such as Border Partol, Casa Grande Police, and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office in cases relating to vehicle pursuits and locating suspects in cases of human and drug smuggling.
Head of the PCSO Air Unit, Leutenant Scott Elliott stated, “These aircraft will serve Pinal County well in many roles and areas. With the size of our county being what it is and the demand for air support having become a daily need over the past several years, its time for us to have the tools needed to do the job ourselves and stop relying on other entities to do it for us. These assets will also be utilized by other agencies needing air assistance and piloted by PCSO.”
PCSO MD 500E taking off from a hill top outside Casa Grande.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “The creation of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit is a Force Multiplier. The use of a helicopter minimizes risks to our deputies on the ground in hostile terrain and during vehicle pursuits. Search and Rescue operations in each county are the duties of the local Sheriff’s Office. Last year we had over 200 calls to locate missing individuals. The use of an Aviation Unit during these critical missions will help us locate missing people faster and provide us the ability to immediately help those injured.”
