Joins Model 212 Now In Service

Bell Helicopter announced the delivery Wednesday of a 412EP model medium lift helicopter to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, joining "Copter One," a Bell Model 212 currently operated by the air support division.

The fire department says their new 412 will significantly enhance the citizens of San Diego access to 24 hour, seven days a week emergency response capability.

"This is a major milestone in our efforts to ensure that residents have access to immediate and continuous aerial fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services and has been a top priority for the Fire-Rescue Department since the Cedar Fires," said Brian Fennessy, Deputy Fire Chief.

"We consider San Diego Fire-Rescue Department air operations to be representative of the response to the growing need for medium lift to support wildland-urban interface fires," added Bob Fitzpatrick, senior vice president for Marketing and Sales at Bell. "We are proud to have been chosen to fulfill this role, and look forward to continuing to provide unequalled customer support to San Diego's pilots and maintainers."

Mike Blake, executive vice president for Customer Solutions added, "The Bell 412's reliability makes it an ideal helicopter for this type of mission. When you need a helicopter that you know will be able to perform day in and day out, people the world over count on Bell."

The 412 remains a popular model in a wide range of market segments. With its outstanding range and payload, the 412 has proven to be highly sought after for not only fire fighting, but missions supporting law enforcement, off shore oil exploration, emergency medical transport and corporate transport.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com, www.sandiego.gov/fireandems/