Sheriff's Office Unveils Air Wolf-1
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Sep 13, 2012 at 6:16 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Sep 13, 2012
The Webb County Sheriff's office has a new tool.
Today they unveiled Air Wolf 1.
The county's latest crime-fighting tool landed at the Laredo Airport Thursday.
In the passenger seat, Sheriff Martin Cuellar, who introduced air wolf one.
“Long overdue it's the first time in history and I’m very, very proud.”
At 140 miles per hour, deputies say the helicopter provides a faster response time and more support for partners on the ground.
“When it comes to natural disasters. Help those agencies that are working on fires or evacuating flood zones.”
“When you have emergencies its sometimes very difficult to play something out on the ground but if you have something on top looking at the whole playing field it really helps out a lot.”
The helicopter is already proving to be vital in spotting potential drug traffickers.
“We've gone a couple of times and seen all the spider trails that come up from the river.”
“And it’s the equipment that inside the helicopter that’s more exciting to deputies, including an infrared system that will help keep a closer eye from above.”
“The infra red is for night operations so we can fly during black out nights.”
Deputies say it's yet another tool that will keep an obviously well traveled border secure.
“the old saying the eye in the sky this is something that’s going to help us in many aspects.”
The helicopter was purchased with over $250,000 of forfeiture money and federal grants.
About $800,000 in more grant money has been secured to maintain the helicopter in the future.
The sheriff says forfeiture money will also be used for maintenance.
