Bell Textron has delivered a new Bell 407GXi helicopter to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), following the purchase announcement made at Verticon earlier this year.
Celebrating 75 years at its Fort Worth, Texas headquarters, Bell continues to support public safety operators worldwide. The new Bell 407GXi will join the department’s Bell 412EP and wider mixed fleet, adding advanced technology and multi-mission capability.
“The addition of this aircraft to the DPS fleet will enhance our ability to protect and serve Texas while broadening the support we provide to partner agencies across the state,” said Stacy Holland, Chief of the Aircraft Operations Division. “This strengthened aviation capability gives DPS greater flexibility to deliver critical aerial support and maintain situational awareness during emergencies, law enforcement operations and major public safety events.”
Texas DPS launched its helicopter operations in 1967 with two Bell 47G-5 helicopters, the first Bell model manufactured in Texas. The aircraft played a key role in search and rescue missions, manhunts and statewide public safety operations.
The fleet expanded in 1969 with the addition of three Bell 206 Jet Rangers and two Bell 47G-4As. Over the following decades, Texas DPS continued to operate several Bell platforms, including the Bell 206B, Bell 206L and, more recently, the Bell 412EP.
