Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)
SEATTLE, WA – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined the King County Sheriff’s Office and King County Councilmembers to celebrate the over $1,000,000 in federal funding that she helped secure to upgrade a rescue helicopter. Congresswoman Schrier’s visit showcased the importance of supporting public safety infrastructure and emergency response operations.
Congresswoman Schrier was joined by King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall, King County Council Chair Sarah Perry, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, and members of the King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit.
View the press conference HERE.
“As wildfires become an increased threat across Washington state and outdoor recreation picks up, we need to make sure our communities can always get the help they need during an emergency,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I’m proud of my work in Congress to bring home federal dollars to upgrade a King County Sheriff’s Office rescue helicopter to respond to major disasters, help with firefighting operations, and transport personnel to emergencies. These dollars, as part of the $14 million I am proud to have secured in federal funding this year, will improve the safety of our communities across the Eighth District and will ultimately help save lives.”
“The King County Sheriff’s Office is extremely grateful to Congresswoman Schrier’s continued encouragement of our Air Support Unit and commitment to helping us improve our Search & Rescue efforts,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “As the largest Air Support Unit in the Pacific Northwest, this grant will allow us to continue our dedicated mission of lifesaving operations and maintain our place as a vital and instrumental resource to this region.”
“The King County Sheriff’s Office’s Air Support Unit is a critical element to our region’s ability to respond to emergencies, with the only full-time patrol and rescue helicopters in Washington state. As outdoor recreation picks up and wildfires become an increased risk, this much needed funding to restore the helicopter’s performance, safety, and reliability for all mission types comes at a crucial time. This funding, secured by Congresswoman Schrier, will help ensure that the Air Support Unit can continue to maintain the highest level of response for King County and our regional partners,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay.
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