Spokane County officials, alongside state and local leaders, gathered today for a Commissioning Ceremony to welcome the newest addition to the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. The acquisition of the Bell 505 helicopter, valued at $3.4 million, enhances the unit’s ability to support law enforcement, emergency response, and community safety efforts.
Spokane County Commissioner and Board Chair Mary Kuney opened the event by highlighting the collaborative funding effort that made this purchase possible. “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.”
Funding for the helicopter was secured through multiple sources:
- The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office contributed funds from the sale of an older aircraft.
- The U.S. Department of Justice provided a grant, secured with the help of former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and the federal delegation.
- The State of Washington through the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA) contributed to enhance pursuit technology with a thermal imaging camera.
- Spokane County allocated about half of the total, $1.6 million, toward the final purchase from local taxpayer funds.
The Spokane Regional Air Support Unit (SRASU), celebrating its 20th anniversary, plays a crucial role in fugitive apprehension, fire suppression, surveillance, and patrol operations. The Bell 505 replaces two aging helicopters that have served the unit for decades.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels extended his appreciation to the funding partners, and Board of County Commissioners: “I appreciate our funding partners and the Spokane County Board of Commissioners for their leadership in making this investment. Their unwavering support strengthens public safety and ensures we have the resources we need to protect our community.”
Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis emphasized the importance of modernizing the fleet. “This new Bell 505 increases safety for our flight crews while enhancing law enforcement capabilities,” said Chief Ellis. “Its 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. Most importantly, we remain grateful to our civilian volunteer pilots who dedicate their time and expertise to providing the only local law enforcement air support in Eastern Washington.”
About the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit
Established in 2005, the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit was founded when the U.S. Army donated a Bell OH-58 helicopter, known as Air-1, to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Since then, the unit has provided critical emergency services across the Inland Northwest, supporting law enforcement, homeland security, disaster response, and public safety operations.
SRASU currently operates:
- Bell OH-58 (Air 2)
- Bell UH-1H Super Huey (Rescue 3)
These aircraft, acquired through government surplus programs, have been vital in supporting regional law enforcement agency partners, including the Spokane Police Department, Spokane Valley Police Department, Liberty Lake Police Department, Spokane Valley Fire Department, and Spokane County Fire District #4.
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