Military helicopters are done buzzing the city, officials say

DOD tactical training exercises were noisy

The military helicopters buzzing through the skies over Pittsburgh the past few nights have concluded their training operations, city officials said.

The Department of Defense conducted training exercises this past week through Thursday night and included Pittsburgh SWAT officers in some of their exercises, Mayor Bill Peduto said Friday. He said there were tactical drills in other parts of Western Pennsylvania as well.

“So if you see a helicopter in the sky, understand that’s somebody who’s protecting this country overseas who’s getting training in Pittsburgh to make sure they’re able to do their job,” he said earlier this week.

Mr. Peduto said he invited the DOD to train in Pittsburgh after hearing from another mayor about the benefits of the training local officers received as part of the drills.

“Our officers get the benefit of being trained by the world’s very best, and cities throughout the country have opened up to allow urban exercises to happen. Our public safety director, our chief of police and a number of public safety officials have been working directly with the Department of Defense for the past several months to assure safety,” he said.

In a statement, city public safety officials said they received numerous calls from residents with questions or concerns about the noise

as the helicopters flew loudly or unexpectedly over homes and neighborhoods.

Former Pennsylvania state Sen. Jim Ferlo said the noise rattled the windows on his Highland Park home, and he ran out on his porch to see what was causing the ruckus when they flew over.

“It was very loud,” he said, adding that he had never seen anything like it in the 30 years he’s lived in his neighborhood. “It was very noticeable I’m sure to a lot of people.”

Mr. Ferlo also questioned why the city didn’t release more details earlier about the training operations, why they were taking place in Pittsburgh or what the training was for. “I just don’t like the fact that it’s so secretive.”

Mr. Peduto said the training involved “full tactical” operations that covered a variety of drills. No announcements were made about the training drills to prevent crowds from gathering to watch, he said. The operations were “not in response to

“I’d like to thank the public for their understanding and support. This is a collaborative effort between us and the DOD.” — city public safety chief Wendell Hissrich,

any current events,” city officials said in the statement.

“I’d like to thank the public for their understanding and support,” Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said. “This is a collaborative effort between us and the DOD. We understand the training for the most part this week is taking place at night and that is an inconvenience for some, not only in the city but in the suburbs. But I want to emphasize our thanks to the public.”