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4 <br />Chief Randy White of Sebastian also wanted to lend his <br />support. He remarked that he had retired from Jacksonville law <br />enforcement where they had helicopters over 20 years ago and he is <br />aware of their value. They provide invaluable assistance in <br />spotting fires, locating people and objects, directing ground <br />units, riot assistance and ferrying of emergency personnel. <br />Tom Buchanan of 150 Week Road added his support and cited an <br />recent instance when a helicopter would have proven invaluable. <br />There was a burglary at Horizon Outlet Mall and, had a helicopter <br />been available, the thieves might have been apprehended. He also <br />felt that possibly Osceola County would help with the cost. <br />Chairman Adams queried whether this would be a med-evac unit, <br />and Sheriff Wheeler responded that it is not strictly for law <br />enforcement. In an emergency situation, it could be used in some <br />instances to ferry paramedics to emergency scenes. It would also <br />prove its worth in emergencies such as the recent plane crash in <br />the western part of the county where it took them over an hour just <br />to get to the scene. In such an event, personnel must travel over <br />and around private ranch and grove properties which involves <br />intimate knowledge of the local geography. Calling for backup <br />assistance to one of these locations is very difficult when <br />personnel are unfamiliar with the terrain and unsure of how to <br />reach the site. A helicopter would be able to quickly direct ground <br />units. <br />Sheriff Wheeler reiterated that the biggest advantage to this <br />program is that the only cost other than incidentals will be <br />operating costs. He believed we will have enough funds from the <br />Broward County prisoner program to operate the helicopter for this <br />year. The equipment is virtually free of cost and the County will <br />have zero invested. He anticipated an annual operating expense of <br />$200,000 per year. Also needed will be a temporary hangar for <br />storage, until we rent or build one for permanent use. We will be <br />storing and cannibalizing parts which we will get from the federal <br />government. We also will be able to swap warehoused parts with <br />other agencies. If we decide to drop out of the program, the <br />equipment would be returned to the federal government. <br />Sheriff Wheeler then ran a video for the Board demonstrating <br />some of the uses of a helicopter to local law enforcement. <br />DECEMBER 17, 1996 36 <br />