North Carolina's State Highway Patrol has unveiled the newest addition to its aviation fleet at a ceremony in Raleigh. The Bell 429 helicopter will further expand the Patrol's mission of saving lives across the state by its utilising aviation assets. The event was held before distinguished guests and media invitees at the SHP's Driving & Training Facility, showcasing what is now the largest helicopter in the Patrol's aviation fleet.

Although this helicopter joins an existing fleet that is overseen by the SHP, the majority of the missions conducted each year continue to be in support of partner agencies outside of the State Highway Patrol. Year after year, 80-85 per cent of its missions are for local agencies that need help in finding missing persons including the search for missing children.

Colonel Freddy Johnson, Jr. provided the following remarks to those in attendance: “As our state continues to grow and thrive, we as an agency must continue to possess the tools needed to positively support our agency's lifesaving mission,” said Colonel Johnson, commander of the SHP. “We are extremely proud of what this helicopter will be able to do not just for our agency, but in support of our partner agencies across the state.”

The new aircraft will be completely operational in the coming weeks as members fulfil the necessary training and certification requirements.