New Mexico Sheriff Asking for $1M for Helicopters

The sheriff of Bernalillo County, N.M., says more than $1 million is needed to pay for two county helicopters.

KOAT-TV reports county commissioners will vote Tuesday on whether to approve Sheriff Dan Houston’s request for $1.3 million in funding.

Houston says the money is needed for maintenance, insurance and operating expenses for the department helicopters.

Some commissioners are questioning if it would be better to spend money on a cheaper, fixed-wing airplane.

Houston says the helicopters help in searching for suspects on the run, capturing dangerous car chases and fighting wildfires.