SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — A new helicopter joined the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office’s air unit on Wednesday.
Dozens gathered in a hanger to celebrate SCSO’s newest helicopter, Air 1.
The aircraft is equipped with advanced technology like thermal imaging which can be used to search for and find people in densely wooded areas.
“This new helicopter that we just saw today has an enhanced search function with more clarity,” said Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis. “So, it’s going to be able to make the searches quicker, more effective and hopefully bring safety more to the community.”
Air 1 is replacing two of SCSO’s 55-year-old helicopters that could not stay in the air for as long as needed or fly on days over 90 degrees.
The new helicopter was unveiled as two of SCSO’s other helicopters are currently being used to search for 32-year-old Travis Decker, who is accused of kidnapping and murdering his three young daughters near Leavenworth.
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