COUNTY 17 FIRE & RESCUE

03/22/2026

Interesting

03/03/2026

I received a great question from one of our neighboring county agencies recently. They asked how much of our budget was dedicated to aviation. The answer may surprise you:

• We have three helicopters that were given to the Sheriff's Office through the Dept of Defense 1033 plan. Cost = $0

• We have two deputies who are trained pilots. One is a retired Army helicopter pilot. Their pay scale is the same as that of any other deputy or supervisor on patrol. = $0 extra

• Yearly maintenance cost on the helicopters (combined)? = $14,000 (the equivalent maintenance cost of 2 patrol vehicles per helicopter)

• How much fuel does the helicopter use? = $54.78/hour when airborne. A patrol Tahoe on duty averages $20 - $23/hour.

• How much does the hangar cost in rental and storage? The Shelby County Airport and County Commission provide for the hangar = $0

• Does the helicopter fly every day? No - dependent on weather and flight conditions

• How many missions have been flown? = Over 1,307

• Lives saved? = Priceless!

Whether it is a lost child in the woods, an overdue boater, an injured hunter, a missing hiker, or offering assistance to our deputies in the pursuit and apprehension of fleeing suspects, our Aviation Unit is more than a helicopter. It is a resource that adds to the services we provide at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office to keep our communities safe.

With an added team of drone operators providing 24 hr operation and deployment to patrol, the jail, narcotics investigators, special operations, and criminal investigations, they serve as a force multiplier to the critical life-saving mission of our Aviation Unit.

02/22/2026

02/22/2026

12/25/2025

A lot to be thankful for this year

11/26/2025

Never know what tomorrow will bring but someone will answer the call, will it be you?

11/15/2025

all the fire departments in the county need help. We’ve heard all the excuses. I can’t commit to (fill in the blank), I’m not always available, I’m too young/old, I don’t know anything about it. They are just excuses. We are all volunteers. We can when we can and we can’t when we can’t.
This is an incredible job you get paid for in ways that aren’t money. If you’ve ever thought about it, contact the VFD in your area. The hardest part, is walking through that station door the first time.
We all live in the communities we serve. How can you make a difference?
Every fire department across the country needs help. Message us @ County 17 Fire & Rescue if you would like to make a difference in your community!

10/14/2025

🚨🚒 County 17 Fire & Rescue Thanksgiving Deep Fried Turkey Fundraiser is now accepting orders!

PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION BELOW AND OUR FLYER BEFORE PLACING YOUR ORDER

$45 PER TURKEY. WE ONLY HAVE A LIMIT OF 70 TURKEYS AVAILABLE FOR SALE, SO IF YOU WANT ONE GET YOUR ORDER IN NOW AS THESE WILL GO FAST. WHEN WE REACH THE 70 TURKEY CAP, NO MORE ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN. SO CHECK WITH US BEFORE YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER AND PAY! DO NOT VENMO ANY PAYMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE TALKED TO A COUNTY 17 FIRE & RESCUE PERSONNEL!

09/04/2025

Smart Sprinkler??

07/23/2025

Tanker 213 attacking the beast. Proud of all the Shelby County Departments who bravely ran toward flames sometimes you have to reset and restart but all were ready to bravely do their part. The heat of this fire could be felt 1/3 of a miles away. A moment in Shelby County Fire Service that will never be forgotten. Saluting all that serve our county and our country. Honoring those who have gone before us.