FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The Fresno Police Department got approved for almost $7 million in helicopter upgrades. That's thanks to the Fresno City Council who voted "yes" last Thursday for the police department to purchase a new chopper. Fresno PD currently operates two helicopters that are over 20 years old.  Interim Police Chief Mindy Casto says they will retire one and purchase a new, improved model. "It's fantastic that we're able to have top-of-the-line helicopters to help serve our community, make sure they're safe, airworthy, and doing a good job for the people that live here," Casto said. This purchase comes out of the city's set budget, but Casto adds that the majority of the new aircraft's downpayment is coming from money forfeited through criminal activity.  "We'll get good value out of it for the city," Casto said. The current helicopters run over 1,500 hours a year; utilized for search and rescue, pursuits, violent crimes, and more. "Its response time to any call in the city on average is about 50 to 60 seconds," Casto explained. Due to the chopper's age, the model is no longer being made, which makes maintenance and parts costly. "And although they've served us well, it's time to replace it with the current technology," said Sergeant Rudy Tafoya, Fresno Police Department's air support supervisor. The new model will be larger, and capable of flying higher and longer with a clearer camera - but it'll take some time until the new bird is in service "Looking at the early part of 2026 or the late part of 2025," Tafoya added. The Fresno Police Pilots will need training to operate the new helicopter, but Tafoya says it will be a smooth transition.