Emotional Farewell as Dragon 29 Welcomes New Leadership in Quimper
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A poignant ceremony marked a changing of the guard at the civil security helicopter base in Quimper, France, this Thursday, December 4, 2025, as Nicolas Roudot handed command of Dragon 29 to Mathieu Laouenan. The transition, attended by numerous authorities, was underscored by heartfelt gratitude for Roudot’s service and optimistic projections for the future of the life-saving operation.
The induction of Laouenan, a seasoned pilot, signals a period of growth for the base. He predicted “a bright future,” noting that Dragon 29 will welcome a new pilot and a flight mechanic operator (MOB) in the spring of 2026, bringing the team size to seven.
Further bolstering the base’s capabilities, a new H 145 D3 helicopter is slated to arrive in February-March 2027. This advanced aircraft will replace the current yellow and red EC 145, a familiar sight to residents of Finistère and beyond, as it responds to emergencies throughout the year.
A Legacy of Rescue: 1,200 Lives Saved
The handover wasn’t simply a procedural change; it was a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements of the team under Roudot’s leadership. Over the past decade, the base has been directly involved in the rescue of 1,200 people. A senior official lauded the collective efforts, highlighting 7,500 flight hours and 4,700 winch operations completed during Roudot’s tenure.
“Their self-sacrifice and dedication… I now ask you to stand as one behind your new captain. You are all members of the same family,” the official stated, emphasizing the strong sense of community within the civil security organization.
A Fond Farewell and a Promise of Continued Service
The emotional weight of the occasion was palpable, particularly for Roudot. His voice trembling, he humbly acknowledged the team’s collective contribution to the rescues. “In ten years, I don’t consider having rescued 1,200 people but having participated in it with you,” he told “his guys,” adding simply, “I will miss you.”
Mathieu Laouenan, 50, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been a pilot with Dragon 29 since 2021, following a distinguished career that began in the army in 1996, with assignments spanning Corsica, New Caledonia, Cayenne, and Evreux. He joined civil security in 2014 and has accumulated 6,000 flight hours. Dragon 29 itself undertakes approximately 350 missions annually, primarily within Finistère, but is prepared to respond to incidents as far afield as Nantes and Rennes.
Honoring the Fallen and Recognizing Bravery
The change of command also served as an opportunity to remember the four crew members who tragically lost their lives in a Dauphin helicopter crash on June 27, 1991, during a search mission near Châteaulin. The crew perished after striking a power line, a somber reminder of the inherent risks faced by these dedicated professionals.
In a separate but equally moving ceremony, four individuals – pilot Jean-François Descouens, MOB David Kaczorowski, and firefighters chief sergeant Mathieu Dubois and chief warrant officer Nicolas Thomas – were decorated for acts of courage and dedication. The honors recognized their daring rescue of a man overboard in the Iroise Sea on March 30, 2024. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the team successfully recovered the hypothermic castaway and transported him to a hospital. According to Roudot, the rescue occurred during a challenging situation involving a disruptive rave party.
A study is currently underway to assess potential renovations to the base’s infrastructure, with leaders expressing hope for a positive outcome. The future of Dragon 29 appears secure, poised to continue its vital mission of safeguarding lives across the region.
