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Vol. 3, Issue 13, July 8
State Patrol: 'Faster, safer' new helicopter will save lives as it lifts public safety to new heights
When a helicopter is flying, it speaks. And the Minnesota State Patrol’s newest aircraft speaks with one purpose: saving lives. From remote rescues to search operations and traffic enforcement, the patrol’s new Bell 429 helicopter is providing a major boost to public safety statewide.
The twin-engine aircraft is packed with upgrades designed to save lives, help first responders statewide and support the patrol’s mission of making Minnesota’s roads safer.
“It’s faster, safer and gets everyone — victim and rescuer — out of danger quicker,” Craig Benz, chief pilot for the Minnesota State Patrol’s flight section said. “That can mean everything in a crisis.”
SFM: The danger behind Fourth of July tradition
“I made a mistake, one little mistake that almost killed me.”
Nick Beheng was severely injured in 2012 while using illegal fireworks at a party in Linwood Township.
“I had been using fireworks since I was a kid ... this can’t happen to me,” Beheng shared at State Fire Marshal news conference in 2016. “I put family through hell; I put myself through hell.”
But it did happen to him and it nearly cost him his life.
Most fireworks, including anything that flies or explodes, are illegal in Minnesota. The sale, possession and use of certain non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks is allowed in Minnesota.
Unfortunately, Beheng’s experience is not unique. In 2024, 26 fireworks injuries and more than $415,000 in damages were reported to our State Fire Marshal (SFM) division.
Commissioner’s Corner: Lane splitting and filtering now legal in Minnesota
Lane splitting and lane filtering are now legal in certain circumstances. The new law allows motorcycles to share lanes with cars for the first time in the state, with notable restrictions on speed and where lane sharing can be performed.
Last week, our Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC), Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and State Patrol divisions organized a demonstration of the motorcycle techniques, which are now allowed in Minnesota for motorcycles going under 25 mph.
It is the responsibility of motorcyclists to perform these actions safely and legally. Motorists need to be aware of motorcycles that are splitting and filtering and cannot get in their way.
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