1972 - North Slope Borough incorporated

The North Slope Borough was created by an election in 1972. It was officially incorporated on July 2, 1972. At that time, the Borough enjoyed 1st class status and exercised the powers of planning, zoning, taxation and schools. It was the first time Native Americans had taken control of their destiny through the use of municipal government.

1974 - North Slope Borough adopts home rule charter

On April 30, 1974, it adopted its Home Rule Charter that allows it to exercise any legal governmental power in addition to its mandatory powers of taxation, property assessment, education, and planning and zoning services.

1977 - Search and Rescue established

Search and Rescue is established as part of the police department to protect the lives of Borough residents.

1979 - First aircraft acquired

Search and rescue acquired its first two aircraft, a Cessna 185 F airplane on floats and a Hughes 500 D helicopter.

Fleet:

  • Hughes 500 D helicopter
  • Cessna 185 F airplane (on floats)

1980 - Established as separate department

In 1980 Search and Rescue was formally established as it own department*.  Pilots were added and the department acquired a Bell 206 L-1 helicopter and a larger Bell 212 helicopter to replace the Hughes 500D helicopter and increase helicopter capabilities.

Fleet:

  • Bell 212
  • Bell 206L-1
  • Cessna 185 (now on wheel skis)

*Separated from PD, operated under mayors office for a year, then own department

1984 - Addition of larger aircraft

In 1984 the department acquired a new Bell 214 ST to replace the Bell 212 with a more capable helicopter with longer range.  A Beechcraft King Air A-90 was also added to the fleet to increase airplane capabilities.

Fleet:

  • Bell 214 ST
  • Bell 206 L-3
  • King Air A90
  • Cessna 185

1989 - Expansion of helicopter capabilities

In 1989 Search and Rescue added a second Bell 214 ST to its fleet

Fleet:

  • Bell 214 ST
  • Bell 214 ST
  • Bell 206 L3
  • King Air A90
  • Cessna 185

1990 - Addition of larger airplanes

The department replaced the Cessna 185 with a Cessna 208 Caravan, and replaced the King Air A-90 with a King Air 200

Fleet:

  • Bell 214 ST
  • Bell 214 ST
  • Bell 206 L-3
  • King Air 200
  • de Havilland DHC-2
  • Cessna 208

2000 - Addition of medevac Jet

In 2000 Search and Rescue acquired a medically configured Learjet 31 A to provide faster aeromedical transport to hospital facilities outside the Borough.

Fleet:

  • Bell 214 ST
  • Bell 214 ST
  • Learjet 31 A
  • King Air 200

2003-2012 Helicopter replacement

Between 2003 – 2012 the two Bell 214 ST helicopters were replaced with two Bell 412 SP helicopters.

Fleet:

  • Bell 412 SP
  • Bell 412 SP
  • Learjet 31 A
  • King Air 200

2012 Addition of King Air 350CER

In 2012 the department acquired a King Air 350CER to replace the King Air 200

Fleet:

  • Bell 412 SP
  • Bell 412 SP
  • Learjet 31 A
  • King Air 350 CER

2014 Expansion of helicopter capabilities

In 2016 Search and Rescue acquired a Sikorsky S-92A to increase helicopter capabilities.  This aircraft ensured that helicopter search and rescue coverage was made available again everywhere in the North Slope Borough.

Fleet:

  • Sikorsky S-92 A
  • Bell 412 SP
  • Bell 412 SP
  • Learjet 31 A
  • King Air 350 CER

2019 Modernization of medevac jet capabilities

In 2019 the department acquired a Pilatus PC-24 to replace the aging Learjet 31.  The PC-24 was selected for its versatility and ability to operate well on unimproved runways.

Fleet:

  • Sikorsky S-92 A
  • Bell 412 SP
  • Pilatus PC-24
  • King Air 350 CER

Present

North Slope Borough Search and Rescue continues its commitment to providing safe and reliable airborne response to medical evacuation, search and rescue, and other emergencies.

We strive to work collaboratively with NSB SAR volunteers and other agencies across the North Slope region for ground, air and water search and rescue missions.