ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 1, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced a multi-year effort to improve public safety and emergency response in the State of Maryland. Governor O’Malley was joined by Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, Maryland State Police Col. Terence B. Sheridan, Maryland State Emergency Management personnel and first responders to announce the allocation of $33.6 million to buy three new State Police helicopters.
“Public safety is the most important priority of any government. Today, I am proud to announce the commitment to upgrade our aging State Police helicopter fleet,” said Governor O’Malley. “Supporting our first responders in the work they do is an important part of fulfilling the most fundamental responsibility that we have to our state – to safeguard the lives of our citizens, and to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods and our communities.”
“As a member of the Board for University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center, I am keenly aware of the important role that the MedEvac helicopters play in saving lives all across the state,” said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “The addition of three new helicopters to the state’s fleet is another example of Governor O’Malley’s commitment to public safety.”
This is part of a multi-year effort to overhaul the State’s fleet, following a study completed by SMART Business Advisory and Consulting, LLC. Released on May 29, 2007, the report was conducted to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current missions of Maryland’s law enforcement helicopter fleet, including the Maryland State Police Aviation Command and the Maryland Natural Resources Aviation Division. The Maryland State Police Aviation Command is a multi-mission unit, which includes law enforcement, homeland security, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. Since 1970, it has flown over 100,000 MedEvac missions. MedEvac missions make up 75 percent of Maryland State Police flights, while 20 percent makes up law enforcement and five percent makes up search and rescue. Currently, nine of the MSP helicopters are almost 18 years old, two are 13 years old and one is 8 years old.
“For 38 years, State Police helicopters have provided a vital public safety service to our citizens and in support of all Maryland police departments and EMS providers,” Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan said. “They are a welcome sight to people who need help and need it fast. I thank Governor O’Malley and the members of the Legislature for ensuring these lifesaving helicopters will keep flying as part of Maryland’s world-renowned emergency medical services system.”
“Maryland’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system is a world renowned regionalized, integrated system of emergency care made up of many essential components,” said Dr. Robert Bass, Executive Director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. “The MedEvac operations of the Maryland State Police Aviation Division play a vital role in public safety through the delivery of critically injured patients to the right level of care in the fastest manner necessary to save the lives of those individuals. The Governor’s commitment to this essential element of our EMS system will make the difference in saving countless lives.”
The Department of Natural Resources’ aviation division provides support for the enforcement of conservation, boating and criminal laws, search and rescue, maritime homeland security, and the protection of Maryland’s natural resources. Both of the Department’s helicopters are over 30 years old.
“The critical and much-needed funding for new state of the art helicopters for the Maryland State Police Aviation Division exemplifies the true vision of Governor O’Malley to continue providing the citizens of our state, and those who visit it with the best pre-hospital care and most expeditious transportation available,” Chief Paul H. Sterling, Jr., President of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association said.
“The Maryland State Police Aviation plays a critical role supporting the daily public safety operations of fire and EMS,” said John Hohman, Chair of Metropolitan Fire Chiefs. “Each day MSP helicopters transport critically ill patients from the scene of a crash or other critical injury to a trauma center or specialty center. In addition, the state police aviation supports our Advance Tactical Rescue teams in performing technical high-angle and water rescues.”
The “Helicopter Planning Group” (the Team) was created to analyze and plan for the fleet’s replacement. The Team, which is chaired by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), has high level representation from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security (GOHS), Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems/Emergency Medical Services Board (MIEMSS/EMS Board), Maryland State Police (MSP) Aviation Command, Department of Natural Resources Police (DNRP) Aviation Division, and the Maryland Military Department (DMIL). Strategic advisors and contractual support for the Team include representatives from the Governors Office, GOHS, MDOT, Department of General Services (DGS), EMS Board, MIEMSS, DNRP, MSP, DMIL, and Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The Team also works closely with the EMS Board’s Helicopter Replacement Committee. This committee has representation from other state and local emergency services organizations as well as healthcare organizations.
SMART Business Advisory and Consulting LLC (SMART) was chosen as the Task Order Agreement (TOA) Contractor through a competitive process to assist the Team with current mission analysis, cost/benefit analysis, and financing options for potential fleet replacement.
February 1, 2008 |
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