Bell Helicopter recently attended the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Expo in Savannah, Georgia where we showed off our state-of-the-art aircraft that help our customers serve and protect from the air. Bell Helicopter displayed a law enforcement customer’s Bell 429 configured for search and rescue missions and the high-performing Bell 407GXP in a HEMS configuration for the first half of the show and then a search-and-rescue configuration the second half of the show. As anticipated every year, the show kicked off with an opening reception sponsored by Bell Helicopter, and more than 600 people geared up for a productive week ahead. We had some major announcements from our Customer Support and Services side of the company with an Aeronautical Accessories crew mobility restraint kit for the Bell 412 and 412EP aircraft; HALO-Flight’s signing of their Bell 429 for our Customer Advantage Plan; and the opening of a new customization building at our Piney Flats, Tennessee location.
ALEA brings together the latest in public safety aviation technology by showcasing new products and services for the parapublic market. This is an extremely influential Expo as we get to see and hear about how our products support the brave men and women in blue. The show was held a little over a week after our headquarters’ neighboring city, Dallas, was home to the tragic shooting of local police officers. As a Fort Worth-based company, this tragic event was close to our hearts. To support the families of the fallen and injured Dallas and DART police officers, Bell Helicopter made donations to DFW Strong and the Assist the Officer Fund. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends.