Red Government Fleet with star logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

California County to Outfit Helicopter for Medevac Capabilities

Santa Barbara's Copter 964 will be outfitted to perform medevac operations, thanks to a $90,000 donation from an area nonprofit.

July 11, 2022
California County to Outfit Helicopter for Medevac Capabilities

Copter 964, seen here in this photo from 2020, will be outfitted to perform medevac operations.

Photo: Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Fire Air Support Unit

1 min to read


The Santa Barbara County, California, Fire Department will expand the capabilities of its Firehawk Helicopter 964 to perform medevac operations, thanks to a donation from an area nonprofit. One805 donated $90,000 to outfit the helicopter with the needed changes to perform these operations, according to the nonprofit's Facebook page.

The helicopter is part of the Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit (ASU). It's a public safety aviation unit comprised of Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office employees. 

The helicopter is a 2004 Sikorsky HH-60L "Firehawk," according to a press release from the county's initial acquisition of the helicopter in 2020. It was purchased in 2019 and was stationed in Alabama while it was retrofitted with state-of-the-art avionics, paint, and a new rescue hoist. The helicopter was also tested, certified, and transformed from a military grade helicopter to a helicopter configured to meet the missions of public safety for the residents of Santa Barbara County.

Topics:Funding

More Funding

SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Public fleets face constant pressure to do more with limited budgets. This eBook outlines how modern fleet software helps agencies extend asset life, reduce unplanned downtime, and improve safety by automating maintenance, using smarter video insights, and unifying fleet data. A practical look at how technology can drive measurable ROI for taxpayers.

Read More →
SponsoredDecember 5, 2025

The Road to Smarter Electric Van Transitions: A practical roadmap for integrating electric vans into your fleet

Electric vans are becoming a strategic tool, not just a sustainability move. Get a roadmap that breaks down costs, charging planning, upfit compatibility, and what fleets should evaluate before making the switch.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fundingby Cindy BrauerSeptember 10, 2024

Advocating for Vehicle Replacements: Asking for What You Need

Go after the data, know your fleet operations, and be tenacious in advocating for sufficient vehicle fleet replacement funds.

Read More →
Fundingby Christy GrimesJune 20, 2024

Budget Season: 6 Stories to Help You Plan for the Upcoming Fiscal Year

A roundup of news and features that can help you find the best approach to keeping costs down in your budget.

Read More →
Officer Anthony Catania, of the Frankfort Police Department, became the first officer to hit the streets in Kentucky through the M-2-LE program.[|CREDIT|]PHOTO: Frankfort Police Department
Fundingby Tariq KamalJune 18, 2024

Fleet Management Lessons from the Private Sector

Fleet professionals with private- and public-sector experience share best practices and hard-won advice for government fleet managers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fundingby Christy GrimesFebruary 23, 2024

Kentucky House Budget Bill Would Allow ICE-Only State Fleet Purchases

Language included in the budget bill states fleet vehicle replacements must be powered by internal combustion engines. The bill

Read More →
Fundingby News/Media ReleaseDecember 15, 2023

Campaign Launched for Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Innovation, Sustainability

The campaign was launched by The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation to provide additional equipment for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department with a $500,000 inaugural gift from Norfolk Southern.

Read More →
Fundingby Staff WriterNovember 16, 2023

Atlanta Council Approves Up to $19M for Fire Department Fleet Upgrade

The Atlanta City Council approved legislation to authorize executing a master lease agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank to provide for the city’s acquisition of replacement equipment and vehicles for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo: iStock
Fundingby Christy GrimesSeptember 20, 2023

Taking a Forward-Thinking Approach with Your Fleet Budget

How the supply chain crisis has forced public sector fleet managers to look much further ahead when making financial decisions.

Read More →