Spokane County Sheriff acquires new chopper
The aircraft is equipped with advanced technology, including thermal imaging, which can be used to search for and locate individuals in densely wooded areas
SPOKANE
A new helicopter has joined the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office air unit as of Wednesday. Dozens of people gathered in a hangar to celebrate the arrival of SCSO’s newest helicopter, named Air 1. The aircraft is equipped with advanced technology, including thermal imaging, which can be used to search for and locate individuals in densely wooded areas. “This new helicopter, which we unveiled today, offers an enhanced search function with greater clarity,” said Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis. “It will enable us to conduct searches more quickly and effectively, ultimately enhancing community safety.” Air 1 replaces two of SCSO’s helicopters that are over 55 years old, which struggled to stay airborne for extended periods and could not operate on days when temperatures exceeded 90 degrees. The new helicopter was introduced while two of SCSO’s other helicopters are currently being deployed to search for 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is accused of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters near Leavenworth.
The rotorcraft, which cost US$3.4 million, will replace a pair of 55-year-old helicopters that are being phased out due to their age and rising maintenance costs.
The helicopter is equipped with a range of equipment to support its law enforcement role, including a live video feed and thermal imaging cameras.
The aircraft was unveiled at an event on 4 June at Felts Field, an airfield northeast of downtown Spokane.
It was funded through a mix of local, state, and federal sources, as well as from the sale of the older aircraft. This included a $500,000 grant from the US federal Department of Justice, as well as $1.6 million from Spokane County, and a $200,000 grant for thermal imaging cameras from the State of Washington.
According to Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis, speaking to the local Spokesman-Review newspaper, the helicopter’s “advanced technology will improve our ability to combat rising auto thefts and conduct safer operations, including searches for missing children, Alzheimer’s patients and outdoor recreationists”.
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