San Diego Fire-Rescue adds Subaru Bell 412EPX to its public safety fleet

Bell Textron announced at APSCON 2024 that the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has signed a purchase agreement for a Subaru Bell 412EPX to advance its firefighting and rescue operations.    

Chuck Macfarland, Chief of Air Operations, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, commented: “San Diego Fire-Rescue has had a 20-year relationship with Bell Textron, and they have been a great business partner throughout. Adding the Subaru Bell 412EPX to our fleet is a significant step forward in enhancing our firefighting and rescue operations. The aircraft’s high-altitude power, increased weight capabilities, and spacious interior will greatly improve our emergency response capabilities, allowing us to better serve the City of San Diego and the surrounding communities.”

On average, San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Air Operations Unit responds to over 400 emergencies every year, including wildfire and high-rise fire incidents. With the addition of the Subaru Bell 412EPX, the Air Operations Unit expects to significantly increase its emergency response capabilities in San Diego and the surrounding areas. 

The Air Operations Unit’s signed purchase agreement comes months after Bell announced the successful deliveries of three Subaru Bell 412EPXs to southern California law enforcement divisions – one to San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and two to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.