City Celebrates Opening of New Tulsa Police Department Hangar, Helipad

The state-of-the-art facility enhances air support capabilities, ensuring officer safety and improved response times across the city.

City leaders and Tulsa Police Department cut the ribbon on new Hardesty Hangar

On Tuesday, Tulsa City leaders celebrated the opening of the Tulsa Police Department's new hangar and heliport, which will enhance air support capabilities for Tulsa's officers and help make Tulsa a safer city.

This $5.42 million project was 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 $670,000 in City capital funding.

Hardesty Hanger, Helipad

"This hangar and heliport represent our collective commitment to providing our officers with the resources they need to continue our work to make Tulsa the safest big city in the country," Mayor Monroe Nichols said. "Our officers now have more space to maintain and protect the aircraft that help protect us, ultimately improving our response to high-risk calls, search and rescue missions, and large-scale emergency situations."

Inside, the building features various essential amenities, including modern offices, restrooms, a shower, a fully equipped kitchen, a ready room for pilots and crew, and training and conference rooms. Additionally, there is a fully functional mechanics shop, storage for maintenance operations, and convenient parking for the facility.  

Ultimately, the new facilities:

• Improve safety for our pilots and ground crews

• Position the Air Support Unit to expand its mission and adapt to the needs of a growing city

• Allow our officers to train and deploy faster, with better tools and greater efficiency

• Give the  Tulsa Police Department room to grow.

Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen stated, "This new hangar is a game-changer for our department. It boosts our air support capabilities and reinforces our commitment to protecting the Tulsa community. With improved resources, we can serve our citizens more effectively, respond to emergencies with greater efficiency, and ensure the safety of our officers as they perform their vital duties."  

Councilors Lakin and Gilbert, Chief Larsen

District 8 City Councilor Phil Lakin, Jr. echoed these sentiments: “From search and rescue missions to protecting officer safety on the ground, the Air Support Unit is there for us when we need them the most. This public-private partnership provides essential facilities to ensure the vital work of this unit continues into the future. I’m thankful for the support our local foundations provided for this project and their continued contributions to public safety for our community.”

Representatives from the Hardesty Family Foundation also expressed pride in contributing to the project.

Michelle Hardesty, with the Hardesty Family Foundation, remarked, “We are honored to partner with the Tulsa Police Department on their new helicopter hangar project. As proud supporters of our men and women in uniform, we believe that investing in aviation resources is essential to enhancing officer safety and operational efficiency. Expanding opportunities for female pilots in this field is also a top priority for us. We recognize the critical role aerial units play in modern policing—flying 24/7 to support patrol officers, respond to violent crimes, and assist in locating missing children. We’re proud to contribute to the infrastructure that helps power these lifesaving missions.”

BKL Incorporated served as the architect for the project, and Lyle Building Group, formerly known as Stava Building Corporation, served as the contractor.

For additional information about the Tulsa Police Department, visit www.tulsapolice.org.