The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit is now better equipped to assist with fire suppression thanks to a grant recently awarded by Firehouse Subs Port Charlotte. The grant allowed for the purchase of a Cargo Hook for the AS350 Helicopter. The cargo hook enables the attachment of a Bambi Bucket to the AS350 Helicopter to assist the Charlotte County Fire Department with fire suppression.
Previously, only our Huey was setup for fire suppression (using a belly tank) so this adds a second helicopter and alternate method to the available fleet. The Huey is also used for mosquito control, so with the addition of this equipment to the AS350 our aviation unit is never out of service for fire suppression.
The attached Bambi Bucket is especially useful to extinguish spot fires during a larger brush fire, stopping the fire from continuing to spread. The hook can also be used for over water rescue. The Aviation Unit is currently working on a grant for the equipment and apparatus required for water rescues.
“I am thankful for our community partnership with Port Charlotte Firehouse Subs,” stated Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Russ and Kim Clouden’s continued support of local first responders has been invaluable. This essential piece of life-saving equipment they have provided will assist us in better serving the citizens of Charlotte County.”
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