The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved funds to equip the county’s Guardian One helicopter with a rescue hoist, following a request from Councilmember Kathy Lambert of Redmond. At their Dec. 11 meeting, the Council allocated $203,000 to pay for purchase and installation of the equipment that will allow the King County Sheriff’s Department to conduct aerial rescues.

Councilmember Lambert said she became aware of the need for an aerial hoist last month during a flyover tour of flood damage in the Snoqualmie Valley after the Election Day Flood. Unable to land on flooded fields and roads, the helicopter could not be used for evacuation.

A few days later, on Nov. 20, King County sheriff’s deputies conducting an aerial search found a hiker who had been lost in the Denny Creek area for nearly 48 hours, but were unable to rescue her from the inaccessible area. A U.S. Navy rescue helicopter with a hoist was called in to lift her to safety.

“These two incidents occurring in a short space of time served to highlight the need for this equipment,” said Councilmember Lambert. “This equipment upgrade will allow King County to remain one of the most prepared jurisdictions in the country to respond to emergencies and disasters. It will be very helpful to have our own equipment and be able to rescue our own people, especially in remote and rugged areas of East King County.”

“Recent events proved that a hoist can be critical in life-threatening situations. This investment supports our focus on public health and safety,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, chair of the Council’s Operating Budget Committee. “This gives the state's largest county a basic and necessary piece of emergency equipment.”

“Guardian One’s new hoist will be a much-needed safety net for those in desperate rescue situations,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, who serves on the Council’s annual budget leadership team.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system.
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