BCSO works to rebuild metro air support unit

Lauren Green | KOB

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In July, four first responders were killed when a BCSO helicopter crashed near Las Vegas. The crew was returning to Albuquerque after helping fight the East Mesa Fire. 

While their heroic actions will never be forgotten, the sheriff’s department is now look at rebuilding its metro air support unit. 

Nearly two months after the crash, BCSO has sought out a similar aviation program in hopes to better the department. 

“What we’re going to do two weeks from today, on the 21st of this month, is we’re making a trip to San Diego, San Diego Sheriff’s Office, they have a platform that best resembles ours,” said BCSO Sheriff Manny Gonzales. “Their Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Approach, ASTREA, is probably one of the most proactive and advanced tech programs in the country.”

While the sheriff mentioned how similar the departments’ operations are, that’s not the only reason they are meeting with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. 

 “It was the resemblance in our program and the adversity, we felt like adversity adds a lot to some of the things we’re facing, and also to figure out how they moved forward and became so successful,” Gonzales said. “I believe we’ve had a very successful program, we need to figure out to sustain that program in the long term, in the event of a tragedy.”

Along with this move, there continues to be a push to support the families of the four first responders killed in the crash – BCSO Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison, and Bernalillo County Fire Department Rescue Specialist Matthew King.

On Saturday, four Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt locations will be donating 100% of their proceeds from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to families of the victims lost in that crash.    

In July, four first responders were killed when a BCSO helicopter crashed near Las Vegas. The crew was returning to Albuquerque after helping fight the East Mesa Fire. 

While their heroic actions will never be forgotten, the sheriff’s department is now look at rebuilding its metro air support unit. 

Nearly two months after the crash, BCSO has sought out a similar aviation program in hopes to better the department. 

“What we’re going to do two weeks from today, on the 21st of this month, is we’re making a trip to San Diego, San Diego Sheriff’s Office, they have a platform that best resembles ours,” said BCSO Sheriff Manny Gonzales. “Their Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Approach, ASTREA, is probably one of the most proactive and advanced tech programs in the country.”

While the sheriff mentioned how similar the departments’ operations are, that’s not the only reason they are meeting with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. 

 “It was the resemblance in our program and the adversity, we felt like adversity adds a lot to some of the things we’re facing, and also to figure out how they moved forward and became so successful,” Gonzales said. “I believe we’ve had a very successful program, we need to figure out to sustain that program in the long term, in the event of a tragedy.”

Metro 2 Fundraiser

Along with this move, there continues to be a push to support the families of the four first responders killed in the crash – BCSO Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison, and Bernalillo County Fire Department Rescue Specialist Matthew King.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, four Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt locations will be donating 100% of their proceeds from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. to families of the victims lost in that crash.