The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has acquired a Bell 505 helicopter through a public-private partnership, adding medevac capability and enhanced law enforcement support to the county’s emergency services.
The 2018 Bell 505, also known as the Jet Ranger X, is valued at $1.42 million. The aircraft was purchased through a combination of private donation, seized drug money, and budget savings. Dan Newlin donated $720,000 in market value along with an additional $30,000 in support equipment. The Sheriff’s Office contributed $125,000 from seized drug money and $575,000 from one-time year-end budget savings, totaling $700,000.
“Public safety is always our top priority. Thanks to Mr. Dan Newlin’s generosity and taking the profits from drug dealers along with a one-time nonrecurring budget savings, we were able to obtain a state-of-the-art helicopter for less than half the cost,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This is a huge win for our community as it expands our ability to quickly respond to emergencies, especially with medevac for serious accidents. The community has clamored for 24-hour emergency trauma capability. This public-private partnership makes that a reality at a significantly reduced cost to taxpayers.”
When operational, the helicopter will include a state-of-the-art FLIR camera system, a night-sun spotlight, and medevac capabilities. The aircraft will support search and rescue operations for missing persons, tracking fleeing suspects, maritime searches, and routine patrols. Unlike drones, the helicopter can carry personnel and equipment to remote or hard-to-access areas of Flagler County, such as Flagler Estates and Western Flagler County, conduct emergency medical airlifts, and operate across greater distances.
“This donation is about giving back to the community and helping law enforcement do their jobs more effectively,” said Dan Newlin. “When I learned about the Sheriff’s Office’s need for a helicopter, I knew it was an opportunity to make a real difference. This aircraft will help save lives, protect families, and keep Flagler County safe for years to come.”
The donation was made personally by Newlin and not from his law firm.
The East Flagler Mosquito Control District has partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to house the helicopter at its facility. “We are proud to support the Sheriff’s Office in expanding its aviation program,” said Mark Positano, District Director. “By housing this helicopter at our facility, we’re ensuring it can be ready to respond at a moment’s notice.”
The aircraft currently has approximately 535 flight hours and is being retrofitted for public safety missions. The helicopter will operate under the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Section and will expand the agency’s current drone aviation program, which Sheriff Staly started in 2022.
Prior to this acquisition, when Flagler County FireFlight was not available, trauma medevac needs relied on helicopters from Jacksonville. For law enforcement needs when FireFlight was unavailable, the Sheriff’s Office had to request air support from as far away as Seminole County, causing delays. Often, other aircraft were not available and could not respond.
Sheriff Staly said he tried to work with Flagler County Fire Rescue to increase medevac and law enforcement availability with FireFlight, but those discussions were not successful. He then pursued the public-private partnership as a cost-effective alternative.
“It’s been a long time coming, and we’re excited to soon give our deputies the additional aerial support they need to protect and serve our community,” Sheriff Staly said. “This helicopter is a game-changer for Flagler County, and I dedicate the medevac capability to Mrs. Jane Gentile-Youd who had long clamored for 24-hour medevac capability in Flagler County. It is truly sad that Jane passed before she could see her vision become a reality. I want to once again thank Mr. Dan Newlin for his donation and support of the Sheriff’s Office, as this would not have been possible without him.”
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