Bell Textron has announced at APSCON 2024 that the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has signed a purchase agreement for a Subaru Bell 412EPX for its firefighting and rescue operations.
“Bell is excited to work with San Diego Fire-Rescue as it expands their city’s public safety fleet,” said Lane Evans, Managing Director of Bell North America. “The Subaru Bell 412EPX combines what many public safety units are looking for – high-altitude power, increased weight capabilities, and a spacious interior. The platform continues to be highly sought-after in the field, especially for those tasked with combating wildfire outbreaks.”
On average, San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Air Operations Unit responds to over 400 emergencies every year, including wildfire and high-rise fire incidents. With the addition of the Subaru Bell 412EPX, the Air Operations Unit expects to increase its emergency response capabilities in the greater San Diego area.
“San Diego Fire-Rescue has had a 20-year relationship with Bell Textron, and they have been a great business partner throughout. Adding the Subaru Bell 412EPX to our fleet is a significant step forward in enhancing our firefighting and rescue operations. The aircraft’s high-altitude power, increased weight capabilities, and spacious interior will greatly improve our emergency response capabilities, allowing us to better serve the City of San Diego and the surrounding communities,” said Chuck Macfarland, Chief of Air Operations, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
Subaru Bell 412EPXs are gaining a lot of traction in Southern Californian public service operations. In recent months, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department took delivery of one and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department two.
Image: Bell Textron
