Rockland's Emergency Helicopter Getting A Makeover Thanks To Criminals

Rockland County’s police helicopter, which once pulled duty on the Alaska oil pipeline, is getting a major overhaul — thanks to local criminals.

The helicopter, based at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona, is getting a $150,000 engine update and a new paint job. The Rockland County Legislature has approved the expense, which is being funded through assets seized as part of criminal investigations in Rockland County.

The operation of the helicopter is overseen through the Helicopter Emergency Lift Program — a.k.a. HELP. A panel of emergency officials in Rockland run the program to ensure the helicopter is used properly for police, fire and medical emergencies.

South Nyack-Grand View Police Chief Robert VanCura, who is a member of the HELP board, said the helicopter needs engine modifications that have been mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Additionally, VanCura said the helicopter’s paint scheme has not been significantly altered since switched from its original role serving along the Alaska pipeline.

VanCura said the helicopter has repeatedly proven to be a key tool for law enforcement and emergency officials in Rockland County. The helicopter has been used on criminal manhunts, in rescue efforts and to assist in major incidents such as large forest fires.

VanCura, who is also a volunteer with the Nyack Fire Department, said the helicopter has been essential in efforts such as rescues from Hook Mountain along the Hudson River.

“I have had times when I have been hanging from the side of the mountain trying the rescue someone who is trapped and the only way I could see was from the light coming from the helicopter,” said VanCura, who is a member of the fire department’s “high angle team” — specially trained for mountain rescues.

The Bell Jet Ranger used by Rockland County, however, is not the county’s first helicopter.

The HELP program was started in 1969 as part of the county’s fire service mutual aid plan and in 1972 became a separate non-profit organization in 1972, with the U.S. Army donating two surplus helicopters to Rockland in 1974.

The HEP program evolved into its modern form out of a 1971 incident in which two injured girls were stuck on a ledge of High Tor Mountain. Their rescue and transport to the hospital was aided by a helicopter.

A Bell 47-style helicopter — like the ones made famous to non-aviators on the hit TV show MASH — was flown by the county until the used Bell Jet Ranger was obtained.

The helicopter is manned by volunteer pilots.