Placerville, CA (November 30, 2023) – In a groundbreaking event, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) unveiled its latest asset, Echo 1, a cutting-edge Airbus H-125 helicopter equipped to enhance search and rescue operations and bolster law enforcement efforts.
The helicopter’s arrival in the parking lot of EDSO headquarters on Thursday morning was a sight, with rotor blades whipping, announcing the dawn of a new era for local law enforcement. Piloted by Joseph Brown, accompanied by flight officer Patrick Becker and Sgt. Patrick Dacanay, Echo 1 stood as a testament to the county’s commitment to public safety.
Echo 1 has an Airbus H-125 framework, coupled with a Safran turboshaft engine, granting it the ability to navigate high altitudes at speeds reaching up to 126 miles per hour. The chopper can traverse the distance from Placerville to Emerald Bay in a mere 30 minutes, demonstrating its rapid response capabilities.
Capable of carrying six individuals, including the flight crew, Echo 1 boasts an array of tools, including a Bambi Bucket for firefighting and a powerful 200-foot beam for scene illumination or ground monitoring during flight. Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, in a captivating capabilities presentation, highlighted the helicopter’s pivotal role in search and rescue missions, disaster responses, and various law enforcement endeavors.
Sheriff Leikauf declared:
“The sky is no longer the limit but an avenue for collaboration and shared responsibility. Echo 1 will allow us to monitor vast areas with unparalleled precision, providing us with the eyes we need to keep not just our community safe but others as well.”
Echo 1 is scheduled to take flight for 10 hours a week, accumulating 500 hours in a year. The significant $3.3 million investment, approved by El Dorado County supervisors in January, reflects the county’s commitment to state-of-the-art public safety measures. An additional $400,000 from excess Transient Occupancy Tax funds has been allocated to cover half of the helicopter’s yearly operational cost, expected to total $800,000.
Sgt. Patrick Dacanay expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort with Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing Echo 1 as a valuable asset for El Dorado County. Dacanay remarked,
“This is a great tool for the county and a great service to the Sheriff’s Office.”
With Echo 1 in their arsenal, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is poised to elevate its capabilities, ensuring the safety and security of the community from a whole new perspective.
