The Foothill Air Support Team, otherwise known as FAST, was developed in 1999 after several local cities expressed an interest in airborne law enforcement. Unfortunately, starting an airborne unit is very costly. These agencies chose to form a joint helicopter patrol operation that could enhance their ability to deter criminal activity and apprehend offenders.
The FAST program has proven to be very successful. It is made up of the following ten partner cities: the City of Alhambra, Arcadia, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Pomona. In order to participate in this partnership, each agency has agreed to provide a qualified and motivated police officer to perform the role of Tactical Flight Officer (TFO). Following a rigorous training schedule, this new TFO works alongside a Pasadena Pilot to serve the FAST cities.
The TFO will monitor radio calls within the FAST cities and make a determination whether to respond with the police helicopter. When it is determined that an airborne response would prove beneficial, the crew will respond and provide an aerial platform. This platform provides a tremendous level of intelligence, direction, and coordination to the Officers on the ground. When not responding to calls for service, the crew will constantly search out criminal activity and/or monitor problem locations.