Fire Rescue

Fire Rescue

Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF)

A Message from the Chief

The department maintains a highly trained workforce throughdaily in-station and out-of-agency training. The department also participates in the National Fire Protection Association Professional Firefighter Qualifications Certification Program.

I encourage you to consider a career as a firefighter with the Airport Commission's Fire & Rescue Department. We seek highly qualified individuals who wish to use their training and expertise to provide the best services possible to our airport communities and the flying public.

Scott A. Merry
Fire Chief

Federal Aviation Regulation 139.315 of the Federal Aviation Administration requires Lafayette Regional Airport to provide on-airport aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) capabilities to ensure efficient and safe airport operations for the benefit of the public utilizing air transportation.

Rural Metro Corporation, an Arizona based company, operating in 400 communities across the United States and Latin America, provides ARFF services for Lafayette Regional Airport.

Chief Scott Merry and his staff of firefighters work in rotation, 24 hours a day, ready for immediate response. Together, the Airport and Rural metro have an established and integrated partnerships, with the understanding that community health and safety are at the core of fire and rescue services.

The Fire Station is located near the air traffic control tower and maintains two crash/fire rescue trucks and three emergency response vehicles.

All personnel are certified Emergency Medical Technicians.

Lafayette Regional Airport Unveils New Fire Truck

Lafayette Regional Airport officially unveiled its new state-of-the-art fire truck. The truck is a 2007 Oshkosh Striker 3000 Model Air Rescue Fire Fighting vehicle. The vehicle has twice the capacity of the current unit. It is safety green and handles 3,000 gallons of water, 440 gallons of foam, 500 pounds of dry chemicals and 500 pounds of Halatron — a cleaning agent. The Striker features four-wheel drive and independent suspension which helps provide stability even on a slope. Additionally, it has rear steering, which reduces the turning radius of the truck and drastically reduces tire wear. The lifetime of the truck is 10 to 15 years.

The new fire truck, which cost $726,165, was paid for using Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) revenue. PFC is the revenue Lafayette Regional Airport receives for each passenger flying out of Lafayette.

Lafayette Airport Commission Chairman Carroll Robichaux said, “The airport commission is committed to upgrading equipment to maintain first-class standards for Lafayette Regional Airport. The addition of this new vehicle to our fleet reflects one way we use airport funds to support that commitment.

“The Commission strives to always fulfill the mission statement of the airport which is ‘ to provide and ensure a safe, secure and customer-friendly environment for all the aviation needs of Acadiana, while promoting the continuous growth and development of Lafayette Regional Airport,”’ Robichaux continued.

Departmental Profile

The Lafayette Regional Airport Operation protects and serves an Index B Airport in the heart of the “Cajun Country” of South Central Louisiana.

The Lafayette Regional Airport (LRA) has general aviation, cargo, air carrier operations, air ambulance facilities, and is home to Petroleum Helicopter Incorporated, the world’s largest private helicopter company. General Aviation covers everything from Cessna 152s all the way to a restored P40 War Hawk. Cargo Operations are provided by Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, and Airborne Express in aircraft including 727s, 757s, and DC9s. Air Carrier aircraft include SAAB 340s, ERJ 135s and 145s, and CRJs. During daylight hours there is a constant thumping and whirring of a multitude of rotary wing aircraft of all types and sizes.

The LRA Operation provides Basic Life Support, Haz Mat Operational level response, Structural, and ARFF response to the Airport and the area immediately surrounding the airport. During a normal year the department will run 120 calls with the majority being fuel spills and EMS incidents. The Department also provides tenant training on fire hazards and FAR 139, conducts station tours for a variety of groups, serves as safety advisors, and assists in daily operations by conducting Day and Night checks of the aircraft operating area.

The personnel assigned to the Lafayette Operation are a wide mix with a vast degree of experiences to add. Assigned we have personnel from as far away as New York and Key West and some from within one mile of the Airport. A crew at Lafayette consists of two ARFF Engineers and One Captain working a 24 hour shift.

Emergency response vehicles assigned consist of 2 ARFF vehicles, a command vehicle, a HAZ Mat truck, and a Rescue/EMS vehicle.

Rescue 18 is an E One Titan that carries 1500 gallons of water, 200 gallons of foam, and 450 lbs of PKP.

Rescue 17 is an Osh Kosh TI 1500 that also carries 1500 gallons of water, 200 gallons of foam, and 450 lbs of PKP. Rescue 17 is also equipped with a Snozzle to aid in agent delivery.

Rescue Ops 2 is a Chevrolet Suburban that serves as the Command and Control vehicle for large scale emergencies.

Rescue 16 is a Dodge 3500 used for Haz mat response and mitigation.

Rescue 15 is a Dodge 3500 and serves as the Captain’s vehicle and carries EMS supplies and Rescue tools.

In August of this year a 2007 Osh Kosh Striker was delivered to the Lafayette Operation and will begin its service in September as a primary response vehicle. This apparatus enhances the protection provided by Rural Metro to the flying public of Acadiana and will aid in Fire Fighter safety, public asset protection, and agent delivery by providing a state of the art delivery package.