AW139 Is 'Operational' As Trooper 3

A new AW139 helicopter has been declared operational by the Maryland State Police, and was on display Tuesday at the department's Aviation Command Fredrick Section.

Designated 'Trooper 3', the helo will be staffed by law enforcement and paramedic personnel 24/7, according to a report from radio station WFMD. MD State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus Brown said at a ceremony held Tuesday that the aircraft represents an "incredible improvement to public safety" in the area. He said the new AW139, and others yet to be deployed, "provide a safer aircraft for our crews, with more room and equipment for our flight paramedics to care for the injured. I thank Governor O'Mally who, with the support of the General Assembly, fulfilled his promise to the State Police, our public safety partners, and to the people of Maryland.

"These new aircraft will be put to good use and will, along with out EMS partners, continue the amazing lifesaving response and care Maryland is known for," he said.

The AW139 is equipped with a TAWS system, night vision capability, cockpit voice and video recorders, and is IFR certified.

(Image provided by the Maryland State Police)

FMI: www.mdsp.org/Organization/SpecialOperationsBureau/AviationCommand.aspx