Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

You see them overhead and hear the helicopters' loudspeakers announcing information when searching for a missing person or suspect.

ASTREA (Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies) is a countywide asset directed by the San Diego Sheriff's Department that has been providing support to the department and partner agencies since 1971. It currently has six helicopters. Countywide, it averages 2,000 missions each year to support patrol, as well as fire and rescue calls around the clock.

A team of seven helicopter technicians are responsible for mai...