CHP Helicopter Visits Gridley Scouts
Sep 19, 2019 12:00AM ● By By Cindy Scott
California Highway Patrol Officers Jason Hertzell and Matt Calcutt exhibit the CHP's Helicopter for Gridley Scout Troops 24 and 48. Photo by Cindy Scott
GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - California Highway Patrol Officers Jason Hertzell and Matt Calcutt (L) flew their helicopter into Gridley to speak to Scout Troops 24 and 48 about their flight work and careers. Pilot Hertzell and Flight Officer Paramedic Calcutt explained that they do three things with the helicopter–search and rescue, medevac, and law enforcement. The helicopter cost $3 million, has an $800,000 infrared camera under the front nose, has room for one medevac patient, and is the only aircraft model to ever land on Mount Everest. It has a 950 hp engine and the infrared camera can tell if a person is wearing sunglasses from three miles away. The Scouts had plenty of questions and enjoyed watching landing and takeoff.