Georgia Department of Public Safety Unveils New Aviation Hangar at Headquarters

The Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) has officially opened a new aviation hangar at its headquarters in Atlanta, marking a significant investment in the agency’s Aviation Division and its statewide public safety mission.

Located at 959 United Avenue SE, this modern facility will serve as the central base of operations for the DPS Aviation Division, which utilizes a fleet of helicopters in support of law enforcement, emergency response, and search and rescue operations across Georgia. The hangar provides enhanced capacity for aircraft storage, maintenance, flight operations, and training, ensuring readiness for rapid deployment. Colonel William Hitchens III stated, “This hangar is a significant step forward in supporting the multi-faceted work of our Aviation Division. By centralizing our resources, we are better equipped to serve communities across Georgia with greater speed, efficiency, and coordination.”

Established in 1974, the Aviation Division supports a wide range of missions including aerial surveillance, disaster response coordination, fugitive apprehension, and agency assistance. The overall goal is to protect and safeguard the public safety interests of the citizens within the State of Georgia. This new hangar joins 6 others across Georgia and improves logistical efficiency and consolidates key aviation functions under one roof servicing Georgia 24/7.

The Aviation Division works in close coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, and other first responders to provide air support during high-risk incidents and natural disasters.