Metro will get new, $9.6 million search and rescue helicopter

Las Vegas police can finally cross a new search and rescue helicopter off the department’s wish list.

The Metropolitan Police Committee on Fiscal Affairs approved the purchase of the new helicopter Monday morning, after more than a year of discussions.

The search and rescue team has two 1973 Bell Helicopter models, also known as Hueys. Metro said they have been great workhorses, but the helicopters are starting to show their age.

Rich Hoggan, chief financial officer for the department, said the frames are cracking.

“That’s when it becomes difficult,” he said. “It’s beyond a maintenance issue.”

The budget for the current fiscal year includes $6 million that was earmarked for a new helicopter, but Metro asked for $9.6 million for a new Airbus Helicopter.

The department initially was looking at sticker prices between $12 million and $14 million, because the climate in Southern Nevada requires helicopters that can handle higher altitudes and the desert heat. The Airbus H145 will also have dual engines, unlike the department’s current helicopters, so the pilot will still be able to land safely should one engine blow out.

“We operate in a unique environment,” Hoggan said. “Not just any helicopter will work for us here.”

Hoggan said the department was able to negotiate the price down to get a great deal, and the $9.6 million — including $1.6 million from the sale of a patrol helicopter and $2 million from a settlement the department won in a lawsuit against Harris Corp. over a failed radio system — includes spare parts and training.

The helicopter is expected to be completed in March of 2017.

The department is also seeking an increase in fees at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Lake Mead National Recreation Area to help support Metro’s search and rescue operations. The department said it averages 160 rescues each year.

The amount of any such increases would be determined by the federal agencies that manage the areas, Metro Capt. Peter Boffelli said. “That has to go through all the way to congressional approval,”he said. “This is nowhere near being approved. We’re in the initial stages.”

Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak applauded the department’s ongoing efforts to bridge gaps in funding with the agencies.

“It’s on their property, they charge admission to get onto their property, and they don’t want to pay us to rescue somebody that’s stuck at Red Rock or Lake Mead,” he said.

The committee also approved a $13,500 settlement to Dominic Gennarino to end an excessive force lawsuit.

Gennarino was involved in a fight with five officers at the Vanguard Lounge on June 4, 2014. One of the officers hit him in the abdomen with a baton three times until he fell on the ground.

Contact Wesley Juhl at wjuhl@reviewjournal.com and 702-383-0391. Find him on Twitter: @WesJuhl