Funds OKd for Helicopter With Night Camera
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A new $380,000 police helicopter capable of tracking a suspect with an infrared night camera will take to the skies next month after the El Monte City Council approved its purchase.
El Monte police will be the first department in the country to arm itself with the Robinson R-44, a craft capable of traveling faster than 150 mph, officials said.
The department will trade in its old two-seater chopper, an R-22, as part of the deal. El Monte will also use a $260,000 state grant and $80,000 set aside to refurbish its old helicopter. El Monte is getting a discount price on the new helicopter by buying Robinson Helicopter’s demonstration model. It already has 260 hours of use. The city will save about $60,000.
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