The new Bell 407 helicopter that arrived at the hospital Monday is virtually identical to the Regional One aircraft that crashed into the woods on July 13, 2004.

Pilot Bob Giard, flight paramedic David Bacon, flight nurse Glenda Tessnear and a patient, 27-year-old Alicia May Goodwin, died in the crash.

The hospital did not operate a helicopter for two months after the crash, while it evaluated protocols and procedures. Regional One staff members were offered the chance to opt out of the program. No one did.

In September, the hospital began using a borrowed helicopter to offer service in seven counties.

It will be several days before the new helicopter goes in service officially while some medical equipment is added.

Jimmy Greene, EMS and Regional transportation director, says the helicopter has a new flight-tracking feature so its location can be monitored even if radio contact is lost.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Super Bowl party

ends in fatality

ANDERSON —A man was shot to death while attending a Super Bowl party at a private club, Anderson County sheriff’s deputies said.

Frederick Michael Penn, 24, of Anderson, was shot before midnight Sunday after a fight that began inside the club moved outside, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Susann Griffin said.

Club owners had asked Penn to leave because of the fight, Anderson County Coroner Charlie Boseman said.

Penn died on the scene of multiple gunshot wounds, Boseman said.

Investigators are interviewing several witnesses who were at the crowded business, Griffin said. No one has been arrested.

A security camera in the parking lot had been disabled so club operators could supply more power to televisions, Griffin said.

(Associated Press)