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Eurocopter Canada delivers new EC 120 to Edmonton Police

Left to right: Sergeant Chris Barbar (EPS), Staff Sergeant Dave Berry (EPS), Inspector Neil Dubord (EPS), Guillaume Leprince, Vice President Sales & Marketing (Eurocopter Canada Limited), Constable Vernon Zelent (EPS)

June 30, 2009, Fort Erie, Ont. -Today, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) took delivery of their second Eurocopter EC120 B patrol helicopter, which will allow for greater in-air coverage and policing of the growing city of Edmonton. When combined with other policing resources, the aircraft will increase operational efficiency and reduce response times to emergency calls.

“The addition of this helicopter to our fleet is a resource multiplier,” says Staff Sargeant Dave Berry of the EPS. “We can be on site faster, increase the speed and efficiency of investigations and provide better support for our officers on the ground, especially during pursuit situations.”

Crews on board comprise one pilot and one tactical flight officer, both of whom are trained police officers. In addition to in-house training, Edmonton Police pilots receive recurrent training at Canadian Helicopters Limited School of Advanced Flight Training in Penticton, B.C.

The Eurocopter EC120 B was selected because of its mission suitability and reduced noise impact, thanks to its shrouded tail rotor, Eurocopter’s low-noise patented “Fenestron” – meaning the aircraft can operate 1,200 feet above the city and is barely noticeable. The EC120 B is also recognized for its speed, range and lift capability for the equipment carried on board.

In addition to emergency response, the EC120 B will be used for air patrol and surveillance of the city, support ground missions, provide real-time information about emerging incidents, and manage in-progress situations.

“We’re pleased to deliver this second aircraft to the EPS,” says Marie-Agnès Vève, president and CEO, Eurocopter Canada Limited.  “Our fleet of aircraft is a natural fit for law enforcement, helping to provide an extra layer of safety to Canadian cities. We look forward to continuing to build our relationships with the EPS and other police departments across Canada.”

Currently, Eurocopter Canada also supplies aircraft to several law enforcement and parapublic agencies including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Calgary and Vancouver police forces, York Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Canadian Coast Guard. Today, Eurocopter Canada is the helicopter provider of choice for over 80% of Canada’s law enforcement agencies.
 

About Eurocopter

Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca ) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada – based in Fort Erie, Ontario – has a customer support network that spans the entire country.  Eurocopter Canada celebrates 2009 as its 25th anniversary year. Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros, orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.