Adds Two Surplus OH-58 Kiowa Warriors To Its Aircraft Fleet

The Spokane, WA Sheriff's Office is expanding its Air-1 program through the acquisition of two U.S. Army surplus OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopters.

One of the aircraft will be kept in reserve for parts, while the other will be a backup when the primary helicopter is down for maintenance, according to Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich. The aircraft are based on the Bell JetRanger helicopter.

Knezovich said that the aircraft has saved the lives of officers and deputies on the ground due to their ability to help find suspects on the ground hiding where officers could not see them. It has also been "invaluable" during pursuits, he said.

Knezovich told television station KXLY that the Air-1 program is a "good deal for taxpayers." Pilots volunteer their time, and "we have partnerships with private companies that donate time and mechanic services. We have partners throughout the region that pay into the fund to to keep the price down for the citizens of the entire region.” 

He said that the backup helicopter should be operational by the end of September.

(Kiowa Warrior pictured in file photo)

FMI: http://www.spokanecounty.org/sheriff/content.aspx?c=2746