Bernalillo County receives new Bell 412EPI
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in the US state of New Mexico has received delivery of a Bell 412EPI helicopter from manufacturer Bell Textron
The aircraft will be used by BCSO’s Metropolitan Air Support Unit (MASU) to enhance public safety in the county.
In addition to conducting regular law enforcement operations in Bernalillo County, MASU regularly offers support to the county’s fire department.
The helicopter has capacity to seat up to 14 passengers, and has space to store a selection of law enforcement and medical equipment.
“With the integration of the Bell 412EPI into our Metro Air Support Unit, we are enhancing our capability to manage emergencies effectively and significantly improving our service to the community,” said John Allen, Sheriff of Bernalillo County. “This aircraft represents a leap forward in our public safety efforts, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support our mission.”
The helicopter will join two other aircraft, comprising an AS350 B3 known as Metro 1, and a Cessna T-41C known as Metro 3. The new rotorcraft will be designated as Metro 4.
BCSO resumed flight operations in December 2023, following the crash of its Metro 2 helicopter 16 months beforehand. That helicopter’s name has now been retired to respect the memory of the four first responders who died in the incident.