San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department take deliveries of Bell 412EPXs for emergency response assistance

Anaheim, California (February 27, 2024) Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced the successful deliveries of three SUBARU Bell 412EPXs, two to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and one to San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, during HAI Heli Expo 2024.

“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,” said 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.”

From airborne command to search and rescue, evacuations to special ops – the SUBARU Bell 412EPX is a highly sought after aircraft platform in the public safety field. With its increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs., external weight of 13,000 lbs., and ability to carry 5,000 lbs. with its cargo hook, the SUBARU Bell 412EPX allows operators to carry a variety of essential public safety supplies. The SUBARU Bell 412 EPX 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.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s SUBARU Bell 412EPX

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, including four Bell 407GXis, three Bell 205s, and its newest addition of a SUBARU Bell 412EPX. ASTREA plans to use its SUBARU Bell 412EPX in conjunction with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) 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,” said Deputy Gary Kneeshaw, pilot, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.   

Photo by Lloyd Horgan

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs

As the lead aerial law enforcement agency for the largest county in the U.S. covering an area over 20,000 square miles, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department plans to utilize their two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs for critical law enforcement missions and emergency response assistance including wildfire management and search-and-rescue operations. Over 50 years ago, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit began its operations with their two Bell 47Gs and have since expanded their 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 their first brand new rescue helicopters. Our Air Rescue program 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,” said Lieutenant Brian Chambers, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

To find out more about how the SUBARU Bell 412EPX advances missions worldwide, please visit the Bell product page or visit the Bell booth (#3936) this week during HAI Heli Expo 2024.