A significant moment in Flagler County’s history was marked by the retirement of FireFlight’s rescue helicopter 2968, which has served the community for 22 years. The ceremony, attended by local officials and fire rescue teams, reflected on the helicopter’s immense contributions. With 797 trauma missions, 851 wildfire suppression flights, 764 law enforcement support missions, and over 2 million gallons of water delivered during its tenure, 2968 has been a crucial life-saving tool for the county.
Fire Chief Mike Tucker and Chairman Dance opened the event, highlighting the helicopter’s multi-purpose role in emergency medical services, wildfire protection, and law enforcement. Chairman Dance noted, “This is probably the single most important life safety apparatus that we have in the county.” He also emphasized that the helicopter not only saves lives but also protects property and supports the Sheriff’s Office in critical operations.
Chairman Dance acknowledged Commissioners O’Brien and Sullivan for their longstanding support of the fire rescue department and their commitment to ensuring that Flagler County’s emergency services remain top-tier. He also thanked County Administrator Petito and Assistant Jorge Salinas, whose leadership and vision helped secure the new helicopter, ensuring Flagler County is prepared for any emergency.
As Chief Tucker noted, “In 1998, Flagler County became the only county in Florida’s history to receive a mandatory evacuation order. Our helicopter has been a vital tool ever since, giving us the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.” He also praised the flight medics and pilots who work tirelessly to perform these challenging missions.
The event concluded with the official unveiling of the new helicopter, symbolizing Flagler County’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety. The upgraded helicopter boasts enhanced capabilities that will further improve response times and mission success across the county.
As the community says farewell to 2968, it also looks forward to the future, confident in the new helicopter’s ability to carry on the proud legacy of service, protection, and dedication that defines Flagler County’s aerial support.
Flagler County’s newly introduced helicopter significantly upgrades the region’s emergency response capabilities. The helicopter’s advanced clear imaging camera can detect temperature differences as minute as one two-hundredth of a degree, enabling it to spot crucial details from up to six miles away. During a recent test flight, the new camera was powerful enough to nearly read a license plate from that distance. The comparison with its predecessor is stark—the older system, now over two decades old, has less technology than a modern cell phone.
The helicopter’s upgraded mission suite includes a track-on-light system designed to replace the older SX16 Night Sun used for nighttime operations and off-airport landings during medical emergency flights. The suite also includes a loud hailer system, vital for communication during rescue missions, as well as a cargo cage and hook system that offers increased lifting capacity. The pilot can now monitor the exact weight being lifted using an advanced load cell, providing greater precision and safety during fire suppression or transport missions.
Perhaps the most significant improvements lie under the hood. The helicopter now boasts 75 more shaft horsepower, allowing it to lift the same weight with a larger power margin, which is critical when taking off from tight water sources. Additionally, dual hydraulic systems offer enhanced safety and control, a marked improvement from the single system on the previous model. The increased internal gross weight capacity—from 4,961 pounds to 5,225 pounds—further boosts operational flexibility.
The engine system, which now includes a dual-channel engine computer, constantly self-checks, reducing the risk of failure and adding multiple layers of redundancy. This upgrade not only enhances performance but also provides a level of reliability that far surpasses the older machine.
While the crew expressed nostalgia for the retiring helicopter, having maintained and flown it for over a decade, they are eager to put the new model into action. The upgraded helicopter represents a leap forward for Flagler County’s emergency response, ensuring that the community is better equipped for medical evacuations, fire suppression, and law enforcement support for years to come.
