N Number Is Same As Badge Number Of Honored Officer

The Houston Police Department, one of the largest air units in the country, recently took delivery of a new and very special H125. It’s the first H125 for the department and will be utilized for fighting violent and property crime, and assisting with search and rescue, homeland security and firefighting support.

It is also a lasting reminder of one of their own.

Houston Police Officer Jason Knox was 35 years old when his watch came to an end on May 2, 2020. His badge number – 2374, retired by Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo – is written in black on the new aircraft as its FAA registration number. Knox, a tactical flight officer, had served on the department for eight years and was preparing to train as a pilot.

"We are always honored to do work for our nation's crimefighters, and this particular completion meant so much to our entire team,” said Metro Aircraft Configuration Coordinator Amy McMullen. "Our hearts are with Officer Knox and all who knew him, and we're humbled to play a part in this aircraft, ensuring his legacy lives on."

Metro outfitted the multi-mission aircraft with a FLIR camera system, TLX Searchlight, Bambi Bucket, AirTEP Rapid Extraction Device, Tyler fast rope and bench system, Goodrich hoist, and floats.

“Airbus is proud to support aerial law enforcement teams by delivering aircraft that allow them to serve and protect their communities,” said Johannes Dienemann, VP of Civil Programs and Industry at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “We’ve worked alongside the teams at Metro Aviation for countless deliveries over the years and it’s by sharing common values of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction that we are able to provide the helicopters our customers need to save lives, protect communities, and ensure critical infrastructure across the country. Thank you to the entire Metro family for your great work and continued partnership.”

In addition to the new H125, the Houston PD utilizes six MD 500Es, 1 Bell 412, and three Sikorsky S300C/Schweizer 269C helicopters. Metro Aviation is located in Shreveport, Louisiana and delivers an average of 35 aircraft annually.

FMI: www.houstontx.gov/police