New Press Release - City of San Jose

Contacts: Rosemary Barnes - SJC (408) 392-1199 – Media Relations Line [email protected] Sergeant Heather Randol – SJPD (408) 277-5339 [email protected] July 16, 2014

NEWS RELEASE San José Police Department’s “Air 2” Returns to Silicon Valley’s Airport -- Benefits are Quicker Response Times Within the City and Added Police Presence at SJC -San José, Calif. – San Jose Police Department’s “Air 2” now calls Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) home. The helicopter and SJPD’s air support personnel returned to SJC on July 1, 2014, from their previous base at Moffett Field in Mountain View and now operate from a hangar located south of SJC’s passenger terminals. Air 2, a Eurocopter EC120B, is based at SJC as part of SJPD’s air support unit. See pictures here. The air unit provides aerial support for ground units within SJPD and other Santa Clara County law enforcement agencies on matters relating to public and officer safety. Emphasis is placed on pursuits, apprehending fleeing suspects and searches for missing persons determined to be “at risk.” “We are pleased to welcome back the San José Police Department’s air support personnel and Air 2 to San José International Airport,” said Director of Aviation Kim Becker Aguirre. “The increased police presence and high-profile helicopter operation add another layer of security on-airport, contributing to a safer and more secure environment for travelers, employees and other users.” "The San José Police Department is excited about our move back to San José International Airport," said San José Police Chief Larry Esquivel. "This relocation will provide for a decreased response time and an efficient integration of department personnel.”

MINETA SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, 1701 AIRPORT BLVD, STE B-1130, SAN JOSE, CA 95110 24-HOUR MEDIA LINE: 408-392-1199 ● FAX: (408) 441-4589 ● WWW.FLYSANJOSE.COM

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SJPD’S AIR 2 RETURNS TO SJC

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The air unit consists of five full-time personnel. These include a sergeant and four pilots, all of whom are cross-trained as observers. An additional five SJPD officers are available to be assigned as observers. Air 2 was previously based at SJC. The helicopter moved to Moffett Field when hangar space was reduced at Silicon Valley’s airport to make way for the Runway 30R/12L extension which was completed in 2001. About San Jose Police Department The San José Police Department is a dynamic, progressive and professional organization dedicated to maintaining community partnerships which promote a high quality of life for the City's diverse population. The Department is committed to treating all people with dignity, fairness and respect, protecting their rights and providing equal protection under the law. Learn more at www.sjpd.org. About Mineta San José International Airport Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) is Silicon Valley’s airport, a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. SJC served 8.8 million passengers in 2013, a 5.9 percent increase year-over-year, and was the second fastest growing medium hub airport in the US. SJC offers approximately 135 daily flights on 12 domestic and international carriers to 29 nonstop destinations. SJC’s five-star customer service experience sets it apart from other Bay Area and US airports. Airlines and passengers respond positively to SJC’s customer amenities, including modern terminal buildings, free and fast WiFi, comfortable seating with built-in power outlets, a luxurious, award-winning VIP lounge that is open to all travelers and a rental car center conveniently located across from the terminals. Silicon Valley’s airport is located in San José, California’s third largest city and the nation’s tenth largest city. SJC facts can be found here. For more airport information, visit www.flysanjose.com. – SJC –

MINETA SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, 1701 AIRPORT BLVD, STE B-1130, SAN JOSE, CA 95110 24-HOUR MEDIA LINE: 408-392-1199 ● FAX: (408) 441-4589 ● WWW.FLYSANJOSE.COM