STODDARD ADDS COPTER FOR POLICE USE

Reductions in the size of the U.S. military have paid a dividend for regional law enforcement.

Taking advantage of a program to get rid of surplus equipment, the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department recently picked up two military helicopters free of charge.

The department becomes the only law enforcement agency in Southeast Missouri to have its own aircraft. Sheriff Steve Fish said Stoddard County is willing to share with other departments in the region.

"I'm optimistic about having it here for everyone to use," Fish said. "I've talked to most sheriffs in Southeast Missouri and they are anxious for us to get it up and running."

Fish found out about the giveaway program and sent the Missouri Department of Public Safety a proposal outlining regional applications for a law enforcement helicopter. The proposal was forwarded to the U.S. Department of Defense.

The aircraft -- OH58C Kiowas -- were hauled up on a trailer from Fort Hood, Texas, in August. Only one, however, actually will be flown. The other will be cannibalized for parts.

The Kiowas's mission in the military is unknown.

Fish hopes to have the helicopter, which is being modified for law enforcement use, ready to operate within 30 days.

"We're still in the process of making it airworthy and going through testing procedures," Fish said. "It's a slow process and a learning process for us."

Previously, area departments were forced to rely on the assistance of Missouri Highway Patrol aircraft. Occasionally, the Missouri National Guard would provide air support for operations such as drug eradication. Rescue helicopters operating from Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center have also been used in the past.

Regional law enforcement officials look forward to the Stoddard County venture becoming operational.

"Depending on what kind of situation you have, air support is a good thing to have available," said Capt. Bud Proffer of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

The helicopter will be used for a variety of purposes, including looking for fugitives, spotting marijuana fields and some criminal investigations. Fish said it will also prove helpful in finding missing people, such as hunters and the occasional Alzheimer patient who wanders off.

"This will really be ideal for something like that," Fish said.

Without the donation of the helicopter, it is unlikely Stoddard County could afford to even think about operating an aircraft. Still, some concerns remain.

"Helicopters are very expensive to maintain," said Cape Girardeau Police Chief Albert "Butch" Boyd. "Buying a helicopter is probably the cheapest thing to do. I do not think the city of Cape Girardeau or the county could fund a helicopter."

Fish hopes to get around the expense through the assistance of volunteer labor and donations from businesses.

"We are trying our best not to do this with tax dollars," Fish said.

He has already recruited several former military pilots with "several thousand hours of air time" behind helicopter controls and well as some experienced mechanics. All are volunteering their time and experience to the project.

"I invite anyone in Southeast Missouri who has any past military experience with helicopters or any other experience with helicopters who would like to help us out to give me call," Fish said.

He added that maintenance shouldn't prove a financial burden either.

"I got one to fly, one complete set of parts and there is also a large quantity of surplus parts in military supplies that are there for the asking," Fish said.

To cover the costs of fuel, insurance and other expenses, Fish is recruiting "corporate sponsors." He hopes to begin with 10 sponsors contributing at least $1,000 per year each. The names of the sponsors will be painted on the aircraft.

After one year of operation, Fish said he will reevaluate the program to see if everything is running smoothly.