In a red brick building tucked away between the Rental Car Parking Lot and the Hangar I, a group of trained professionals stand ready for an event they hope will never happen. Specifically, that event is an airport emergency.

The Greater Binghamton Airport's Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Team remains on duty, 24-7-365. This dedicated staff, made up of 6 Airport Operations Specialists and 1 Supervisor, maintains this continuous coverage - always ready to respond to any type of airport-related emergency.

All Airport Operations personnel are crossed trained to become proficient in ARFF techniques and procedures. Most of this training is in-house and involves procedures involved in aviation related emergencies. For example, proper techniques are taught regarding rescue procedures involving aircraft, safety precaution protocols for aviation related incidents and appropriate responses to medical incidents. Each ARFF Team Member is a New York State Certified Emergency Medical Technician.

Additionally, in 2004, a new Oshkosh ARFF vehicle was delivered to Greater Binghamton Airport adding to the overall capabilities of the fire fighting and rescue team. This new rapid response vehicle holds 1500-gallons of water, 200 gallons of fire fighting foam concentrate and 500 pounds of dry chemical agent for an initial attack on fire emergencies. This vehicle is entirely self-contained and can be operated by just one firefighter.

The ARFF staff at the Greater Binghamton Airport is equipped and trained to handle the primary response to most any call they may encounter. However, they rely greatly on the support of mutual aid assistance from the local fire departments of our community.

The Greater Binghamton Airport Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Team wishes to thank these mutual aid companies along with Broome County Emergency Services for their valuable support.