Come to the Rescue

Most trips to the desert, beach or forests are accident-free. But when we hear stories of lost hikers rescued from snowy mountain slopes or swimmers plucked from rough ocean waves, we are reminded of the very real dangers in the wilderness.

To learn more about the people and equipment that make up search-and-rescue teams and to see the role aviation plays in community safety and law enforcement, visit Hansen Dam Sports and Recreation Complex on Saturday for the sixth annual American Heroes Air Show.

On display during the exhibit, sponsored by the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks, will be rescue helicopters from local, state and federal agencies and their crews, as well as volunteer and private organizations.

The event gets underway at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the park in Lake View Terrace.

Admission is free. Crews will be on hand to demonstrate safety tips people can use in forests, rivers, snow and deserts.

Units will fly in from as far San Diego and Vandenberg Air Force Base, near Lompoc, to participate.

Antique firefighting, rescue and emergency vehicles are scheduled to arrive at 9:30 a.m., as private owners of restored equipment participate in the “Rollin’ to the Rescue” convoy.

All equipment, from the Orange County Fire Department’s new Super Huey to the Air Force’s Sikorsky Pave Hawk used by combat rescue crews, will be on view until 4 p.m.

Demonstrations will include helicopter rescue techniques used during Ventura and Santa Barbara county floods and Los Angeles River swift-water threats.

Canine rescue units, firefighting helicopters performing water drops, mountain hoist and medevac rescue drills, and SWAT equipment demonstrations are also scheduled.

Search-and-rescue groups will give recruiting presentations at a “Code 3 Careers Fair” during the event.

Career information and details about local airborne rescue units are available on the Internet at https://www.heroes-airshow.com or by calling (818) 883-9248.

An aerial view of the air show will be offered by the Professional Helicopter Pilots Assn. The cost is $20 a person for a 10-minute ride.

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BE THERE

American Heroes Air Show, Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Hansen Dam Sports and Recreation Complex, Lake View Terrace. Exit the Foothill Freeway at Osborne Boulevard and turn south. (818) 883-9248.