New Police Fire Aviation Unit launches in Arizona

On Tuesday 20 August, the City of Peoria ‘cut the ribbon’ to commemorate the debut of its first Aviation Unit and reveal the new Bell 505 helicopter, as a new tool to enhance public safety capabilities in the West Valley, in the US state of Arizona.

Peoria Mayor Jason Beck, Police Chief Thomas Intrieri, Assistant Fire-Medical Chief Justin Gorospe and City Manager Henry Darwin addressed a crowd including guests from the Arizona State Legislature and members of Peoria City Council.

“As Peoria and the West Valley continue to grow, so will public safety needs,” said Beck. “And moving forward, Peoria will be ready and able to help our residents and our neighbors, should they request a call for service.”

Beck secured state funding in the amount of US$3.5 million through Arizona State Senate Bill 1702 to purchase a helicopter and establish an aviation unit. On 12 December 2023, the City Council approved the purchase of a Bell 505 helicopter to support Fire-Medical and Police.

Intrieri commented: “As we roll out this program over a series of phases, we will be able to get to emergencies faster and be the ‘eye in the sky’ when searching for a missing person; or help guide ground support to curb potentially dangerous situations; or quickly find those evading law enforcement.”

The helicopter will be housed at a hangar located at Glendale Municipal Airport, along with offices for the pilot and maintenance crew. Full deployment of this Aviation Unit is expected by October 2025. It will also be available for use in surrounding West Valley cities.

EnB AIR, provider of aerial firefighting services in South Korea, recently purchased a Bell 505 helicopter.