The Cook County Board approved $11.4 million Thursday in next year’s budget to get a helicopter, according sheriff Thomas Dart, who said the money was carried over from funds that weren’t spent in the 2022 budget.
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said Thursday his agency will acquire a helicopter to track carjackers, look for missing people and offer aid during large-scale emergencies.
The Cook County Board approved $11.4 million Thursday in next year’s budget to get one, according to Dart, who said the money was carried over from funds that weren’t spent in the 2022 budget.The Chicago Police Department owns two Bell helicopters, one built in 1994, the other in 2006. But the helicopters, which it shares with the sheriff’s office, often are grounded for maintenance problems and don’t have the navigation equipment to fly in poor weather.Sign up for NBC Chicago newsletters.
The sheriff’s office also has obtained a $2.5 million federal grant toward acquiring a helicopter and related equipment. The final cost, including staffing, storage and maintenance, is being determined, according to sheriff’s officials, who haven’t decided whether it will be bought or leased.The Chicago Police Department is preparing to buy two helicopters, according to city officials. Last month, the city’s budget director said $11.5 million was earmarked for them.
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