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WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- Jefferson County is unveiling its new air medical service. The helicopter made a ceremonial landing on top of Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown Thursday.

The hospital says the landing showed people just how the service will be used and gave them a chance to see the chopper and its equipment.

Air Methods and LifeNet of New York will begin actual service Friday morning. It's been five years since the area has had air service.

"We're just thrilled to have this asset here. It will save lives. It will make transports easy to high quality medical care," said Denise Young, Fort Drum Regional health Executive Director.

"It takes us about 28 minutes to get from here to Syracuse. When the Potsdam operation opens, it'll be in that 30 minute range to get from Potsdam to Burlington," said Marty Delaney, Air Methods Regional Business Director.

The service will be based at the Watertown International Airport.