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Sheriff Gary Wheeler explained that the program being <br />presented allows local law enforcement access to military <br />equipment. This program just came to his attention this year and <br />is expected to be phased out over the next several years. <br />The chief pilot for the City of Miami advised that their <br />equipment will be listed for acquisition. The engines alone are <br />worth about $293,000 each. <br />Chief Hugh Cox of Indian River Shores supported the Sheriff's <br />interest in this program and cited several instances where his <br />department found it necessary to call for a helicopter. In one <br />instance they spent about 8 hours on foot with canine assistance <br />trying to locate a boatload of Haitians. He then called for the <br />St. Lucie County helicopter and in about 2 hours they had located <br />16 people. The helicopter is a unique tool and will certainly <br />enhance local law enforcement. <br />Chairman_ Adams wanted to know whether Chief Cox would be <br />willing to help financially, and __Chief Cox responded -that it was <br />his understanding that there would be no cost for the first year, <br />but he believed that Indian River Shores would be willing to do <br />their fair share. <br />Chief Jim Gabbard of the City of Vero Beach wanted the Board <br />to be aware that our local law enforcement agencies have the kind <br />of cooperative relationship which has never before existed in this <br />county and probably does not exist anywhere else in the State of <br />Florida. Everyone is joined in their support of Sheriff Wheeler. <br />He also wanted the Board to know that, in his opinion, Sheriff <br />Wheeler had been re-elected by an overwhelming majority partly <br />because his chief concern is for the safety of this county's <br />residents. The helicopter may not be a necessity at this point in <br />time but public safety concerns occasioned by the growth of the <br />County will make it a necessity very soon. He felt everyone should <br />put politics aside and support the Sheriff. It has taken courage <br />and a willingness to accept criticism to bring this program to the <br />taxpayers and Sheriff Wheeler's interests are solely for public <br />safety. <br />Chief Larry Tippins of Fellsmere also supported Sheriff <br />Wheeler's endeavors to obtain the aircraft. He stated that he also <br />has had to call on St. Lucie County for their helicopter and <br />remarked that when you need one, nothing else can take its place. <br />He felt it will be a great asset to law enforcement. <br />DECEMBER 17, 199635 AP PA --42 <br />