The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona has added a new Airbus H125 helicopter to its Aviation Unit. This addition is aimed at improving the agency’s ability to carry out rescue and law enforcement missions.
Funding for the helicopter was provided by the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), which will cover the lease through October 2027. After that, the sheriff’s office can purchase the aircraft for $1.
Sheriff Ross Teeple, who previously worked as a Search and Rescue deputy and later led the Aviation Unit, expressed his support for this acquisition. “Search and Rescue has always been one of my favorite parts of law enforcement,” Teeple said, “and I am thrilled to have this new tool available for our deputies and the citizens of Pinal County.”
This is now the second helicopter in the county’s fleet equipped with a hoist system. The Airbus H125 offers greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs compared to their current UH-1 Huey helicopter. However, PCSO plans to keep using the Huey due to its ability to function in higher temperatures and elevations, as well as its larger capacity for crew members and rescued individuals inside its cabin.
In addition to DEMA’s involvement, Hangar One Avionics and Airbus contributed technical support during this project. The H125 features advanced technology such as a Trakka Systems thermal imaging camera, mapping software, spotlight, traffic alert systems, live weather capabilities, and autopilot functions. These upgrades are expected to improve patrols as well as search operations.
According to PCSO officials, their new A-Star helicopter is among the most advanced used by law enforcement agencies today. They expect it will help increase safety during both enforcement actions and rescue efforts.
