The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has taken delivery of two Subaru Bell 412EPXs, and the delivery of another to San Diego County Sheriff's Department was celebrated during HAI Heli Expo 2024.

As the lead aerial law enforcement agency for the largest county in the US covering an area over 20,000 square miles, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department plans to utilise its two Subaru Bell 412EPXs for critical law enforcement missions and emergency response assistance including wildfire management and SAR operations. Over 50 years ago, its Aviation Unit began operations with two Bell 47Gs and has since expanded its fleet to 17 aircraft, which includes two Bell UH-1Hs, a Bell 212, and the most recent purchase of two Subaru Bell 412EPXs.

"The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is proud to work with Bell to facilitate the purchase of its first brand new rescue helicopters. Our air rescue programme is a critical component to providing safety to the residents of San Bernardino County. Greg Maitlen, regional sales manager, and the team at Bell provided us with a product and customer service that exceeded our expectations," says lieutenant Brian Chambers.

San Diego County Sheriff's Department's aviation unit, Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA), completes nearly 6,000 public safety missions each year with its all-Bell fleet of emergency response helicopters of four 407GXis, three 205s. ASTREA plans to use its Subaru Bell 412EPX in conjunction with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection firefighters to combat wildfires within the region.

"We are working hard to have crews trained and ready for the upcoming fire season. We have found the Subaru Bell 412 EPX to be a very capable aircraft that is delivering on its promises. The aircraft will allow us to improve our effectiveness during fire missions and allow for a greater margin of safety during hoist operations," says deputy Gary Kneeshaw, pilot.

"Bell is thrilled to partner with both San Diego County Sheriff's Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as they expand their capabilities that will support the safety of Californian citizens," notes Lane Evans, managing director, North America. "The Subaru Bell 412EPX continues to hold a well-established reputation of taking public safety missions to the next level."

With its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200lbs, external weight of 13,000lbs and ability to carry 5,000lbs with its cargo hook, the Subaru Bell 412EPX allows operators to carry a variety of essential public safety supplies. It is also equipped with a robust main rotor gearbox with dry run capability, enabling operators to benefit from increased horsepower to perform operations more efficiently.