Groundbreaking held for police heliport

"Having a heliport at the Tulsa Police Academy will be a great asset for the Tulsa Police Department's Air Support Unit," Mayor G. T. Bynum said. "This project has been realized with assistance from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Hardesty Family Foundation and the Chapman Foundation. Helicopter Air Support is a force multiplier and is crucial for o(cer safety in the work that the Tulsa Police Department does every day to protect our city."

The new Tulsa Police Department Heliport will include a helicopter hangar for three helicopters, and a taxiway and landing pad, both with edge lighting. Also included are o(ces, restrooms, a shower, kitchen, ready room, training and conference room, mechanics shop, parts storage, and facility parking.

This $5.62 million project has been made possible with $3.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1 million donation from the Hardesty Family Foundation, a $250,000 donation from the Chapman Foundation, and $870,000 in City capital funding.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated men and women of the Tulsa Police Department for their unwavering commitment to public safety," Michelle Hardesty said. "It is with great pleasure that we announce our partnership with the Tulsa Police Department Air Support Unit to establish a state-of-the-art helicopter hangar. This initiative aims to enhance the vital work they undertake, particularly in real-time assistance for missing persons and violent crime interventions."

The architect for this project is BKL Incorporated, and the contractor is Lyle Building Group, formerly Stava Building Corporation. Completion of this project is scheduled for May 2025.