The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s new Bell 505 helicopter takes flight near the FCSO Operations Center in Bunnell.
From left, FCSO Chief Pilot Pat Deans, attorney Dan Newlin, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and pilot John Kulesa stand in front of the Sheriff’s Office’s new 2018 Bell 505 helicopter. Photo by Rich Carroll
Equipment for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s new helicopter includes medical supplies, flight gear and other equipment used during law enforcement and emergency medical missions.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office unveiled its new 2018 Bell 505 helicopter, which will be used for law enforcement operations and emergency medical missions. Photo by Rich Carroll
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s new 2018 Bell 505 helicopter is equipped for law enforcement and emergency medical missions. Photo by Rich Carroll
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled a new helicopter that Sheriff Rick Staly says will give the agency additional capabilities for law enforcement operations and transporting critically injured patients.
The 2018 Bell 505 was acquired through a public-private partnership with Orlando attorney Dan Newlin and has been outfitted with law enforcement, flight and medevac equipment.
Staly said the helicopter had just over 500 flight hours when the partnership was formed. The aircraft includes an infrared camera, spotlight and technology capable of transmitting images directly to patrol vehicles and FCSO’s Real Time Crime Center. The equipment was largely funded through an $883,000 state grant, Staly said.
“This is designed to get somebody that’s critically injured to a trauma hospital quickly,” Staly said.
Flagler County Fire Rescue personnel at an emergency scene would determine whether the FCSO helicopter, the county’s FireFlight helicopter or another aircraft is appropriate for a medical transport, Staly said. Discussions are continuing about the medical staffing of the new helicopter.
Staly said the aircraft also addresses a gap in nighttime aviation coverage. He said FireFlight shuts down at 8 p.m., leaving FCSO to request helicopters from agencies in Volusia, Seminole or other counties when aircraft are available.
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon, who previously commanded an aviation unit with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, called the helicopter an asset for the entire county.
“The capability that a helicopter brings not only for law enforcement, but for medevac purposes is phenomenal,” Brannon said. “This is going to save many lives. I have no doubt.”
The helicopter can assist deputies with searches, K-9 tracks and other operations. Its camera can detect heat signatures and track people on the ground, while pilots can monitor aviation, police and fire radio traffic.
Newlin said the project also gives him an opportunity to give back to law enforcement, where he began his career.
“It’s provided a nice additional purpose in my life to make sure that I always remember where I started and always remember to continue to give back,” Newlin said.
The aviation unit currently has two pilots and is hiring tactical flight officers. Staly said he expects the helicopter to be fully operational sometime in December.
The aircraft will be housed at the East Flagler Mosquito Control District’s hangar at no cost to FCSO.
