SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Spokane County officials introduced the Bell 505 helicopter to the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit during a Commissioning Ceremony at Felts Field this afternoon.
The $3.4 million helicopter, which replaces two aging helicopters, enhances the unit’s capabilities in law enforcement, emergency response and community safety. It will aid in combating auto thefts and conducting searches for missing persons, Spokane County said in a release.
County Commissioner and Board Chair Mary Kuney opened the event. She expressed gratitude to the multiple sources that secured enough funding to purchase the helicopter.
“This investment upgrades our law enforcement capabilities and enhances our efforts to protect the public. The acquisition was made possible through the support of the Board of County Commissioners, the U.S. Department of Justice, and Washington State.” Kuney stated. “In addition, we are proud to have operational support from our local police and fire agencies. Without this broad base of partners, today’s milestone would not have been possible.”
Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis highlighted the importance of modernizing the fleet.
“This new Bell 505 increases safety for our flight crews while enhancing law enforcement capabilities,” Ellis said.
