Pinal County Sheriffs Office

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit began in the late 1990s with surplus military helicopters, most notably the UH-1 Huey. These rugged aircraft provided the lift and endurance needed for rescue missions in the Superstition Mountains and for surveillance over remote desert corridors. Soon after, the unit expanded its capabilities with agile OH-6 Cayuse helicopters (MD500C), which were well suited for low-level observation, pursuits, and border security patrols. The mix of heavy-lift Hueys and nimble OH-6s gave the young unit both reach and flexibility, allowing deputies to respond quickly across more than 5,000 square miles of varied terrain.

By the 2000s and 2010s, the fleet grew to include OH-58 Kiowas, further strengthening the unit’s law enforcement profile. Outfitted with modern gear such as thermal cameras, night vision, and secure communications, these aircraft supported tactical operations, drug interdiction, and joint missions with local, state, and federal partners. Over time, while the older surplus airframes were gradually phased out or reduced in daily use, their role in establishing the program’s credibility was decisive. Today, the Aviation Unit continues to operate as a professional, multi-mission team whose history with the Huey, OH-6, and OH-58 reflects decades of adaptation to the county’s growing safety and rescue needs.

As of 2018, the Aviation Unit had seized 20,000 lbs (9,000 kg) of marijuana since its creation.