Many Stratford residents are unaware of the work done by Eagle One Air search and rescue helicopter housed at the Bridgeport airfield. . The Eagle One program has been in existence for the past four years and has been an invaluable tool to the coastal region. Lt. Alan Wilcoxson ,of the Stratford Police Department, has been involved with this project since its inception. "I was a pilot in the military and have seen first hand how instrumental these aircrafts can be" says Wilcoxson.

Eagle One is a retired 1968 Belle formerly of the United States National Guard. "We have put this program to good use. We have been able to accomplish rescues at sea after boating accidents, assist with homeland security and provide over head views for accidents like the one on I-95 several years ago. We made it possible for the Mayor and civil engineers to assess what needed to be done." One accomplishment the crew of Eagle One is especially proud of is the work they accomplished for the victims of Katrina last year. "We were able to assist with urban rescue and help people get to safe places."

All of this hard work comes at a hefty price, one that rests squarely on the shoulders of the crew of Eagle One. "Maintaining the helicopter, crews and making sure it has all the necessary tools to efficiently complete its mission has been an expense we have all worked hard to obtain. We have been very lucky to have community and corporate support."

Until now, Eagle One has not received any state or federal funding. "It has been tough but we are very committed" says Wilcoxson. "Representative Harkins has been a great supporter from the very beginning. He has been the only one who came through for us from the state. If it weren't for him we would have gotten no state aid at all. He knew we were self supporting and he has been trying to help for several years."

Rep. John Harkins has been able to secure a $15,000.00 grant, the first state support, to purchase a much needed helicopter dolly. "We just can't afford to buy all that we need. We pay our own flight insurance. We have been fortunate to have had companies like Atlantic Air, who houses our helicopter for free. Private Air who has supplied our fuel which at $3.50 a gallon and 80 gallons an hour has made travel possible and Hummingbird Helicopters who provides the maintenance for the helicopter at a nominal fee but we need plenty more." Wilcoxson and crew have a wish list for things like rescue harnesses $124,000.00 and multi channel radios for $75,000.00. "Its an expensive program but the work we are able to do is beyond a price tag."

"Eagle One provides a valuable service with no charge to the taxpayers. Eagle One's mission is to support local and state police, fire, rescue and homeland security. The program is voluntarily manned by local professionals with a military background. These courageous people have dedicated themselves to the cause of air search and rescue. It says a great deal about the caliber of character of these individuals who offer their services for free. It is a tremendous effort that I was glad to finally find funding for"says Harkins.

"Rep. Harkins has been trying to get us support for several years. We are grateful for his continued support" offers Wilcoxson.

Harkins has been pushing for the state to assist with the financial burden of this program."Eagle One has been the recipient many awards of recognition but that doesn't help keep the program afloat. I am satisfied the state was able to support Eagle One with this modest grant and I am hopeful the state will continue to support this worthwhile project." Wilcoxson and crew are encouraged by the new found state support."We are excited about the recent involvement of the state and I am confident they will continue to see the value of our program."

Eagle One is currently being serviced after the demands of Katrina took a toll on the helicopter.

©Stratford Bard 2006