Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Shreveport leaders weigh shared helicopter program with DeSoto Parish
Summary
Shreveport councilmembers and public-safety leaders discussed a cooperative air unit with DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jason Richardson that would place an upgraded helicopter in Stonewall and share operating costs among agencies; officials said personnel will begin in November and the unit could be operational by early 2026.
Sheriff Jason Richardson of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office told the Shreveport City Council on Tuesday that his office is arranging a cooperative helicopter program to provide faster aerial support across northwest Louisiana, and that local agencies could share operating costs.
Richardson said the agency acquired a Bell 206 “JetRanger” variant being refitted with mapping and FLIR (forward-looking infrared) technology and expects to take delivery in November, with a target to be fully operational by Jan. 1. “It’s a more appropriate helicopter . . . that’s being upfitted specifically for our needs,” Richardson said. He added the craft will be based out of Stonewall and can carry five passengers.
Council members…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
