Peoria Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Event For Its New Rig

On August 20, the City of Peoria revealed its new Aviation Unit at the Centennial Plaza Amphitheater. The Bell 505 helicopter showcases their efforts to improve public safety. 

The Peoria City Council voted to approve the purchase of the Bell 505 by a 4-2 majority on December 12, 2023. The funding stemmed from Arizona’s $17.6 million allocation last year, of which $3.3 million was used for the helicopter. They are expecting to spend around $1 million per year for its operation.

The chopper was delivered to Peoria officials in early August. It will be stored at the unit’s hangar at the Glendale Municipal Airport. Pilots and maintenance personnel, which are all existing law enforcement and firefighters, will have offices on site to lower response times.

In full operation, the aviation unit is intended to expand law enforcement, search and rescue, and firefighting capabilities throughout Peoria and surrounding West Valley cities.

“As we roll out this program,” Peoria Police Chief Thomas Intrieri said, “we will be able to get to emergencies faster and be the ‘eye in the sky’ when searching for a missing person; or help guide ground support to curb potentially dangerous situations; or quickly find those evading law enforcement.”

Public opinions are mixed on Peoria’s new purchase. Residents aren’t afraid to show their opinions online, with one resident commenting on a story that the helicopter is a “huge waste” of taxpayer dollars.

The program will be unfolded in phases, with full deployment expected in October 2025.

FMI: www.peoriaaz.gov