FCSO Enhances Emergency Response with New Bell 505 Helicopter

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) has significantly upgraded its emergency response capabilities by acquiring a Bell 505 helicopter through a strategic public-private partnership.

 

This collaboration involved a generous donation from attorney Dan Newlin and the utilization of funds from seized drug assets and budget savings.

 

The 2018 Bell 505, also known as the Jet Ranger X, is valued at $1.42 million.

 

FCSO contributed $700,000 toward the purchase, comprising $125,000 from seized drug money and $575,000 from year-end budget savings.

 

Mr. Newlin donated the remaining $720,000, along with additional support equipment valued at $30,000.

 

"Public safety is always our top priority," stated Sheriff Rick Staly.

 

"Thanks to Mr. Dan Newlin’s generosity and taking the profits from drug dealers along with a one-time nonrecurring budget savings, we were able to obtain a state-of-the-art helicopter for less than half the cost."

 

The Bell 505 is equipped with advanced features, including a state-of-the-art FLIR camera system, night-sun spotlight, and medevac capabilities.

 

This addition enhances FCSO's ability to conduct search and rescue operations, provide air support for law enforcement, and perform patient transport.

 

Unlike drones, the helicopter can carry personnel and equipment to remote or hard-to-access areas of Flagler County, such as Flagler Estates and Western Flagler County, conduct emergency medical airlifts, and operate across greater distances, greatly extending FCSO’s operational range and response time.

 

"This donation is about giving back to the community and helping law enforcement do their jobs more effectively," said Dan Newlin.

 

"When I learned about the Sheriff’s Office’s need for a helicopter, I knew it was an opportunity to make a real difference."

 

The helicopter will be housed at the East Flagler Mosquito Control District facility, ensuring it is ready to respond at a moment's notice.

 

This partnership marks a significant advancement in FCSO's aviation program, which began in 2022 with the introduction of the Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) program.

 

The addition of the Bell 505 takes the program to the next level, working in conjunction with the drone program to meet various situational needs.

 

Prior to this acquisition, trauma medevac needs often relied on helicopters from Jacksonville, leading to delayed responses.

 

For law enforcement needs, FCSO would have to request air support from as far away as Seminole County, delaying responses.

 

Often, other aircraft were not available and could not respond.

 

"It’s been a long time coming, and we’re excited to soon give our deputies the additional aerial support they need to protect and serve our community," added Sheriff Staly.

 

"This helicopter is a game-changer for Flagler County."

 

The Bell 505 is currently being retrofitted for public safety missions and will operate under FCSO’s Special Operations Section.

 

This acquisition underscores FCSO's commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities in Flagler County.