An emergency response company is now located right in the heart of St. Landry Parish. Air Evac Lifeteam flew into Opelousas last week.

Mayor Reginald Tatum said this will create a quicker emergency response time not only for the city, but for the parish as well. “Now, they’re going to be here. They’re going to be right here in Opelousas. Even if we have to bring them by ground transport, by ambulance, it’s going to take five minutes and they’re going to have to helicopter spooled up and ready to go.”

Tatum is a former medic and he felt this emergency response company was long overdue.

The helicopter is located at Ahart Field airport. St. Landry Parish-President, Bill Fontenot, said it is the perfect location. “This will add to the response time for any kind of evacuations or emergencies. The company is very excited about the location. They sort of seek us out.”

Air Evac Lifeteam is a privately owned medical transport service. This new business will create 16 new jobs for the city. The helicopter is able to carry a pilot, paramedic, nurse, and a patient on a stretcher.

It will also be available to local law enforcement.

“The company has agreed with us that if we need to utilize the helicopter for escapees or missing persons, drug trafficking or anything pertaining to law enforcement, they will partnership with us,” says Chief Donald Thompson, Opelousas Police.

Fontenot says this will boost fuel sales for the St. Landry Parish Airport and also that the 537-acre, two runway airport is constantly expanding. “St. Landry Parish airport is being known around the region and across the state and I’m talking about the United States. The south region as a place with opportunity.”he looks forward to what the future holds for the airport.

Fontenot says he looks forward to what the future holds for the airport.