On Jan. 21, Governor Martin O’Malley and State officials issued a request for proposals for new Maryland State Police multi-mission helicopters that will initiate the replacement of the State’s aging fleet and continue the world renowned reputation of Maryland’s emergency medical services system, as well as the law enforcement, search and rescue and homeland security operations the Aviation Command performs every day.  

The request for proposals is for up to 12 helicopters to be delivered, with the first order to be placed as early as fiscal year 2010.  A detailed list of required equipment, including the latest aviation technologies and aircraft capabilities, is contained within the request for proposal.   

“Maryland’s medevac program is a national model for first responders and is responsible for saving thousands of lives each year,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Public safety is the most important priority of any government.  In order to ensure that our first responders have the best and safest equipment possible we must move ahead in the replacement of our aging fleet of helicopters.”   

In his FY 2010 budget released earlier today, Governor O’Malley has included $40 million in capital funds for the purchase of the first two replacement helicopters for the Maryland State Police Aviation Command. 

“The support of Governor O’Malley and the members of the General Assembly for the professional men and women who staff our Aviation Command is deeply appreciated,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan said.  “The procurement of new helicopters is an exciting step forward in our effort to continue a 39-year history of lifesaving of which we are very proud.”  
                   
“I am proud to endorse the Maryland State Police Aviation Command in their achievements throughout the last 39 years,” Maryland State Firemen’s Association President Frank Underwood said.  “We are proud to be a vital part of the infrastructure that makes Maryland’s EMS System the best in the world.  New helicopters will enable the Aviation Command and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association to continue saving lives every day.”

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command currently has 11 Dauphin twin jet engine helicopters.  The five oldest helicopters were purchased in 1989.  Increasing flight hours on the aircraft has contributed to increasing downtime as the helicopters undergo required inspections and maintenance. 

The Aviation Command currently has seven sections in around-the-clock service throughout Maryland.  Helicopter crews of a pilot and trooper flight paramedic perform a variety of missions using the same aircraft.  The unique multi-mission abilities of the State Police helicopters were on worldwide display just a few weeks ago when the crew of Trooper 2 saved three people caught in a torrent of water on River Road in Montgomery County by hoisting them into the aircraft and carrying them to safety. 

The State Police Aviation Command medevac mission is part of Maryland’s unique integration of emergency response services that include first responders, paramedics, nurses and doctors at trauma centers and hospitals across the state.  This network, coordinated by the Maryland Institute For Emergency Medical Services System, is regarded as the finest in the world.  It provides prompt and expert emergency medical assistance and care for all Marylanders, whether their call for help comes from an urban or rural area.  The ability of a State Police helicopter crew to quickly respond, rescue and relay a critically injured person to trauma care is a significant contribution to a system that saves lives each day in Maryland. 

Colonel Sheridan and Maryland State Police officials will continue to work with legislative leaders as they evaluate the medevac system.  While that evaluation continues, it is important to begin the replacement process now due to the long lead time needed and the multi-year aspect of this plan. 

Announcement of the bid requests came through the Maryland Department of Transportation, which is coordinating the procurement process.  The request for proposals will be released Jan. 30.  All proposals are to be submitted by March 17.