THP Unveils New Helicopter
JACKSON, Tenn.-The Tennessee Highway Patrol has an extra set of eyes on the streets and highways of West Tennessee and they are in the sky. Friday, the THP unveiled a helicopter now permanently assigned to West Tennessee. The chopper and pilot will be stationed in Jackson. Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons even made the trip to the Hub City for the announcement. He said the permanent aviation support for troopers will enhance public safety by increasing response times throughout West Tennessee. “I think this is an additional tool in the tool box to help West Tennessee be a safer place and be available to law enforcement throughout the West Tennessee area,” said Bill Gibbons, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety. Trooper Lee Russell has been assigned to pilot the helicopter and will always be on call. The 206-B Bell Jet Ranger is equipped with thermal imaging, nigh vision goggles, a high-powered search light and specialized radios. A Lojack system, for locating stolen cars is also scheduled to be installed.
