Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – A NewsChannel 9 viewer wants to know what the status of the Sheriff’s Office’s Air 1 helicopter is according to Onondaga County’s new budget.
According to the County Executive’s Office, Air 1 is accounted for with a $60,000 in local funding and an additional $450,000 to be raised by the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Kevin Walsh says the department established the Air 1 Foundation to raise money in support of the helicopter.
Last year, the Foundation raised about $70,000 in donations.
In addition, the helicopter receives an additional $30,000 in Federal grant money and the department makes budget adjustments to keep the helicopter in the air.
Finally, Onondaga County received Federal FAA certification for its pilots and Air 1 can now charge for medical transportation. They anticipate bringing in an additional $100,000 per year for medical transportation.
If you have a question for the Your Stories team, call (315) 446-9900 or email YourStories@9wsyr.com.
