NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office's helicopter is back in the air.

Award-winning pilot Paul Bradley is back and taking to the skies above Sonoma County again in the agency's copter, known as Henry-1.

Bradley had left last year to take a job in Redding but decided to return to Sonoma County. Wednesday was his first day back and he was ready to go, the sheriff's office reported.

And he was back on the job just in time. At about 5:15 p.m. that day, Sonoma County Sheriff’s dispatchers received a request from Santa Rosa Fire Department to assist them with a rescue in Taylor Mountain Regional Park.

A 46-year-old hiker had slipped and fallen down a steep, rocky trail, officials reported. The only way to get her out to treat her injuries would be by carrying her or ATV. These methods weren’t reasonable as her injuries were such that it risked her suffering tremendous pain. So, they called for Henry-1.

The crew quickly assembled at flew to the scene. The sheriff's office said Bradley was able to land within about 30 yards of the patient. The paramedic assessed her and the team carried her to the helicopter.

She was loaded aboard and, since they were so close, she was flown directly to the hospital. Everyone involved was grateful to have Henry-1 as a resource again, the sheriff's office said.

Henry-1, a Bell 407, was grounded without a pilot, but over the past few months some residents may have seen it in the air, as Bradley worked a few shifts over the weekends, providing the citizens of the county service from above.

“His commitment to the sheriff’s office drew him back home and we are very pleased to be back in full operation,” the agency said.

The sheriff's office said Bradley is an extremely talented pilot and enjoys the multi-faceted versatility that he is afforded by working with the Henry-1 crew.

Henry-1 provides law enforcement functions, fire support and long line rescues for people here in Sonoma County but also agencies in other counties, including Lake.

The Henry-1 crew consists of a pilot, deputy sheriff/EMT and a paramedic, all highly trained in these very technical skillsets.

“On behalf of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and the people of Sonoma County, welcome back Paul and Henry-1,” the sheriff's office said.

For more information about the helicopter program visit http://www.sonomasheriff.org/about-helicopter-unit/ or follow https://www.facebook.com/friendsofh1/ .