The Winnipeg Police Service unveiled the new helicopter that will soon provide a unique aerial perspective and will assist officers in enhancing public safety. The Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba was present at the event today, along with Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill. “The province is committed to investing in public safety and crime prevention initiatives,” said Premier Selinger. “We’re proud to continue to build on recent unprecedented support by contributing to the WPS Flight Operations Unit.”
The purchase of the police helicopter was made possible by a funding agreement between the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba. Eurocopter Canada Limited delivered the EC120B helicopter on November 29, 2010. “The City is pleased to play a leading role in ensuring the men and women of the Winnipeg Police Service have the tools necessary to reduce crime in our city,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Chief McCaskill has let Council know this helicopter will be a tremendous benefit to keeping our citizens safe, and we are pleased to have made it a priority and look forward to seeing the results.”
The Winnipeg Police Service helicopter will give officers airborne support that is effective in responding to numerous calls for service. The partnership between ground units and the aerial unit will make the helicopter an effective tool in the detection and investigation of criminal acts, and the apprehension of suspects.
“This is an exciting day for the Service. Modern-day policing in a city like Winnipeg requires deployment of equipment and technology that will improve the safety of the community and police personnel,” said Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill. “The Service is grateful to the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg for their investments in public safety. The cooperation of 17 Wing with the Police Service certainly deserves acknowledgment as an innovative partnership between forces.”
At hand for the presentation at the hangar was 17 Wing Commander, Colonel Yvan Boilard. "17 Wing is pleased to cooperate and support the Winnipeg Police Service in this worthy endeavour. As citizens of the great city of Winnipeg, we recognized the hard work of the men and women of the Winnipeg Police for the benefit of all. Historically, we have worked together in everything from parades to crises, from the Floods of 1997 to the recent Royal Visit,” said Colonel Boilard. “I see this as the next step in that continued relationship of mutual respect and professionalism.”
The EC120 is a Canadian law enforcement air support favourite, currently in use by the York Regional Police Force (Ontario), the Calgary and Edmonton police services, as well asthe RCMP in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. “The EC120 has a proven track record and has become a benchmark for police operations in Canada,” said Mr. Guy Joannes, President and CEO of Eurocopter Canada Limited. “We are delighted to welcome the Winnipeg Police Service as a customer and to the prestigious and successful group of highly specialized law enforcement operators in Canada.”
Integration of the helicopter into the day-to-day police operations will occur immediately, enabling it to become an effective tool in fighting crime.
For Further Information Contact Either:
Cst. Jason Michalyshen
Public Information Officer Cst. Natalie Aitken
Public Information Officer
Office: (204) 986-3061
Fax: (204) 986-7992
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