BUFFALO, N.Y. — You may have heard Air 1, the Erie County Sheriff's Office helicopter, in the air over the weekend and on Monday during the eclipse.
On Tuesday, 2 On Your Side talked with the sheriff's office about how they're using it as much as they can as a tool to help other law enforcement agencies.
The Erie County Sheriff's Office tells us if it seems like you've heard Air 1 up a lot lately, it's because it's using the helicopter as much possible.
"We currently have three pilots on staff, so as long as the aircraft is safe to fly, based on the rest of the pilots and the availability of the pilots, and its maintenance schedule with the FAA, it's up in the air," said Lt. Jeremy Lehning, Public Information Officer for the Erie County Sheriff's Office.
Video from last month shows when Air 1 was on a routine flight until Buffalo Police reported a stolen SUV from West Seneca.
"They'll go up on routine patrol flights and they'll also go up on training flights, and if during the process of those flights there's a call for assistance, they're there to help out," said Lt. Jeremy Lehning.
Air 1 tracked the SUV to Buffalo where people got out of it and into a car, then ditched the car and ran off. Buffalo Police were able to find the suspects and the cars.
"How does it help in situations like in Buffalo where there's a no chase policy if someone crosses into the city, you guys can track them, right?" asked 2 On Your Side's Kelly Dudzik.
"Absolutely. It's also safer for the officers on the ground because the officers on the ground don't have to pursue, and in most situations, it's much, much safer for the general public, the officers involved, and even the subjects in the vehicle," said Lt. Jeremy Lehning.
But, if you hear the helicopter, don't assume it's because something bad is happening.
"There's absolutely no reason for alarm. The helicopter is up typically on routine patrol flights and on training flights," said Lt. Jeremy Lehning.
The sheriff's office says the need for a new helicopter has increased and that having two would mean they could have rotating coverage while one is down for maintenance. They would likely keep the old one, but a final decision hasn't been made just yet.
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