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Bigger, Better Helicopter Unveiled by Phoenix Police and Fire Departments
June 18 , 2005 by Kathleen GordenIn a unique joint partnership between the Phoenix Police and Fire departments, the city of Phoenix welcomes its first high-performance twin-engine Agusta 109E helicopter. It’s a specialized aircraft designed for police and fire missions, with the agencies working together to improve emergency responses and better serve Phoenix residents.
The second engine on the Agusta 109E makes it safer and more durable for many of the tasks it’s called on to perform. It carries more water for brush fire fighting. The craft also allows firefighters to perform hoist rescues, in which the rescuer and patient can be raised and lowered from the helicopter.
This is an important benefit for the departments’ frequent mountain rescues. Search and rescue is made easier by advanced technology, such as the forward-looking infrared system (FLIR) and a video downlink system.
The helicopter was be unveiled at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 17, at the Deer Valley Airport, 702 W. Deer Valley Road, at a ceremony attended by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Councilman Dave Siebert, Fire Chief Alan Brunacini, Police Chief Jack Harris, United Phoenix Fire Fighters President Billy Shields and Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Jake Jacobsen.
Agusta 109E Helicopter Fact Sheet
