Sheriff’s fleet gets eye in the sky
SHERIFF John D'Agostini, left, pilots Dr. Richard Moorhouse, center and Ed Rincon show off the El Dorado County Sheriff Department's new helicopter. Named Eagle One, the bird is the latest in the department's efforts to increase its community presence without asking residents to shoulder the financial burden. Photo courtesy El Dorado County Sheriff
They say you only get one chance to make a first impression. Luckily, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department's latest addition came through with flying colors.
"Eagle One," a JetRanger helicopter, was introduced at the annual Sheriff's Posse Picnic on Aug. 20 by Sheriff John D'Agostini and pilots Ed Rincon and Dr. Richard Moorhouse.
The helicopter landed at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds during the picnic, adding some extra "oomph" to the department's announcement.
Authorities hope "Eagle One," which seats several and can reach speeds of 150 mph, will provide deputies with yet another tool for faster, more efficient search and rescue efforts in the county's more mountainous terrain.
Moorhouse said the JetRanger will be especially handy for search and rescue K9 units needing to cross lakes that would otherwise take hours to traverse by vehicle or foot.
Law enforcement will also be able to use the helicopter to conduct safer narcotics patrols, as it will allow law enforcement to detect marijuana gardens from the air.
But perhaps the best thing about "Eagle One": It doesn't cost taxpayers or the county a dime.
Both Rincon and Moorhouse agreed to join the department as reserve deputies and offered the JetRanger to aid with community efforts. Both reserve deputies will work in conjunction with the Sheriff's Air Squadron.
The helicopter's fuel will be covered through Federal Asset forfeiture funds.
Sheriff D'Agostini said the addition of the helicopter is yet another sign of residents doing their part to help.
”This is another example of the volunteerism we have in El Dorado County — citizens wanting to get involved in keeping our communities safe,” he said. "I want to thank Dr. Moorhouse and Ed Rincon for taking our service to the community to the next level."
The arrival of "Eagle One" is the latest in the department's efforts to increase its community presence without asking residents to shoulder the financial burden.
Earlier this year, the Sheriff's Department opened a substation in El Dorado Hills staffed entirely by volunteers with the Sheriff's Team of Active Retirees (STARs).
Also, the hours of operation for the department's lobby, records and civil divisions were all extended, again without additional county cost.
“The Sheriff’s Office has over 600 volunteers who are committed to public safety and service to others," said D'Agostini.
Individuals interested in volunteering with the department or with ideas to better public safety are asked to call the Sheriff's Department at 530-621-5615.
E-mail Jim Ratajczak at jratajczak@mtdemocrat.net or call 530-344-5069.
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DeeDeeAugust 29, 2011 - 7:10 pm
Wow this is great news. Way to go volunteers and Sheriff D'Agostini. Thanks for the commitment to the community on everyone's part.
Dan ViverosAugust 30, 2011 - 7:43 am
Sheriff D'Agostini comes through again. He's doing a tremendous job at his new post as Sheriff of El Dorado County. A helicopter, especially a Jet Ranger, is a huge asset to our community. The fact that it's not costing the taxpayers any money is the "icing on the cake." A big thank you to Ed Rincon and Dr. Richard Moorhouse for piloting "Eagle One." Kudos go out to ALL our dedicated volunteers who help keep El Dorado County safe, and make it a great place to live and raise our families.
Judy MathatAugust 30, 2011 - 8:00 am
Thank God for Sheriff John D"Agostini, a real honest sheriff who is doing his best to fullfill all the promises he made while campaigning for election. May he continue to have the best insight into what the "people" need and want in a sheriff's department and if the Board of Supervisors haven't gotten it yet, this should have put the icing on the cake as John does not need their advice on how to use the budget!!!
Sheriff’s fleet gets eye in the sky « Positive LEOAugust 30, 2011 - 6:31 pm
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DanielleAugust 31, 2011 - 1:25 pm
WOW! MAYBE THIS HELICOPTER WILL BE ABLE TO CARRY A DIVER WHEN A DROWNING CALL IS BEING CALLED IN. I SURE HOPE LIVES DON'T HAVE TO BE LOST SINCE THIS BIRD CAN CARRY SOME EQUIPMENT AND WIEGHT. THANK YOU FOR YOU VOLUNTEERS!
MARTINOctober 11, 2011 - 6:59 am
All of this sounds good on the surface however the Sheriff should have as I read the whole report asked the BOS/County Attorney if this would put our County in any legal arena that would cost us and what liability do we then accept. Nice that these two men provided their helicopter but at what cost. The picture shows them in uniform or at least with patches and badges but they're not Reserves and don't have any EDSO training and are not employed here so again at what cost does this come and what deal was cut.
DeeDeeOctober 11, 2011 - 8:02 am
Martin - how do you know what training they have or don't have?? Please let us know where you get your info from.
James E.October 11, 2011 - 9:40 am
El Dorado County liability is the devil in the details. Mr. Martin is correct.