Aviation Unit

As Peoria continues to grow, additional police and fire resources are required to meet the needs of our residents. The city's planning area includes more than 230 square miles, which is a lot of ground to cover for public safety crews responding to emergency situations.

On December 12, 2023, the Peoria City Council approved the purchase of a Bell 505 helicopter to create the city’s first-ever advanced Aviation Unit to support Peoria Fire and Police.

The Aviation Unit will expand law enforcement capabilities, search and rescue capabilities, firefighting services, and increase response times throughout the city.

This aviation unit will also be available for surrounding West Valley cities.

The helicopter along with offices for the pilot and maintenance crew will be based at a hangar at the nearby Glendale Municipal Airport. Initial staffing for the new aviation unit will come from existing officers and firefighters. The first pilot for the aviation unit is a current Peoria Police officer who was an Army helicopter pilot. Peoria Police also has an officer who was a chief helicopter mechanic with NYPD’s air unit. The Peoria Fire-Medical Department has been training air rescue technicians for more than 30 years.

Background
The Peoria City Council’s Strategic Priority of “Public Safety” includes investing in the safety of our first responders and community members. Arizona State Senate Bill 1720 appropriated $3.5 million dollars in state funding to the City of Peoria to be used exclusively to purchase a helicopter and stand up an aviation unit.