Fundraising Efforts Launched for Sonoma County Sheriff Helicopter Rescue Program

By Bay City News Service

A fundraising effort has been launched to help finance Henry 1, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office rescue helicopter program.

The Friends of Henry 1 are hoping to raise at least $125,000 annually to fully staff the paramedic program, which has been greatly reduced in recent years due to budget cuts, group members said. In addition, the group hopes to solicit individual donations to offset fuel and maintenance costs and, in the long term, to raise enough capital to help buy a new helicopter.

Henry 1 serves the entire North Bay, providing services including long line rescues in difficult circumstances, search and rescue, medical transport and law enforcement air support. Donations can be made at friendsofhenry1.org and are tax deductible.