From Bill Lindelof:
A multi-use helicopter has become a powerful new law enforcement, firefighting and search-and-rescue tool for the Placer County Sheriff's Department.
The department recently received the AS350B3 helicopter from American Eurocopter, a machine that is just what the department needs, said pilot and Sgt. Van Bogardus in a news release from the helicopter's maker.
"It provides us with the combination of performance and flexibility we need, plus the lift capacity and hoist capability to perform our expanding mission profile," Bogardus said.
Stretching from valley suburbs to foothill ravines and peaks of the Sierra Nevada, a range of Placer County terrain will be home to the copter's mission. American Eurocopter said it can provide power, lifting capacity and flexibility for missions as diverse as patrol, aerial photography and rescue.
The helicopter will go into service later this year.
The Placer County Supervisors approved purchase of the helicopter two years ago for $3.5 million. A department official said the new helicopter will be able to carry five people and fly at higher altitudes than the copter now in the department's hangar.
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