By Trent Moore
The Cullman Times
VINEMONT —
State air rescue and drug surveillance operations in Cullman County will have more resources at their disposal later this year.
Work is set to begin this month on a 100x100-foot hangar at Cullman Regional Airport (Folsom Field), which will eventually be the new home of the Alabama Department of Public Safety’s local air base. The state troopers currently work out of a 50x70-foot hangar at the airport.
Cullman County is host to one of three state department of public safety air bases, with the other two located in Montgomery and Fairhope.
Brian Hartley, with the department of public safety, said the bigger space will allow the department to have a larger presence in the area — which should mean more protection for local citizens.
“We’re looking to increase the size of the unit and this should increase our capacity for storage,” he said. “We’ll be able to better serve and expand our capabilities.”
The two state trooper helicopter pilots currently stationed at the Vinemont base are mostly used for air-based drug surveillance and rescue missions in rough terrain.
“For example, a while back someone was out hunting in the woods and he fell and broke his leg,” Hartley explained. “We were sent in to rescue him and get him out so he could receive medical attention. He was out really deep in the woods and it would have taken too much time to get to him on the ground.”
With a larger facility on the way, Hartley said the local base should be even better prepared for future rescues.
The new, $420,469 hangar is being partially funded by a 50/50 state department of transportation matching grant. The City of Cullman and Cullman County Commission split the remaining costs, each paying approximately $105,000. Construction for the hangar has been awarded to Jerry Tidwell Construction.
“This is a great thing for our airport and we are very proud to host the state trooper post,” airport manager Bob Burns said.
Once construction is complete on the new hangar, Burns said the old 50x70-foot hangar will be rented out to local pilots.
Cullman County Commission Chairman James Graves said he is proud the county can continue to work with the state troopers.
“That is not only great for the growth of our airport, but the new hangar will also allow the state troopers to oversee north Alabama, so that’s a plus,” he said.
Cullman Mayor Max Townson added that the state trooper base is just another way for the airport to serve local residents.
“We’re always happy to be associated with the highway patrol and it is very convenient for both of us to have them locate here,” Townson said. “We’re constantly working to promote our airport and believe it has great potential.”
* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.
