Contact: Patti Goldstein, 401-737-4000 x 272
pgoldstein@pvdairport.com
Rebecca Pazienza, 401-737-4000 x 278
rpazienza@pvdairport.com
TF GREEN AIRPORT HOSTS HOMELAND SECURITY EXERCISE ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007
(WARWICK, R.I.) September 24, 2007 – The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) and Rhode Island Emergency Management (RIEMA), working together with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will hold a Homeland Security Exercise at Green Airport on Thursday, September 27th beginning at 10:00 p.m.
The event is a coordinated effort with state and local police, fire, rescue and emergency management personnel from across Rhode Island, designed to enhance the capability of Rhode Island crisis managers and first responders. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all airports perform such an exercise every three years to receive the agency’s safety certification.
“The purpose of this important simulated exercise is to test the effectiveness of our plan in all areas from initial emergency response to patient triage,” said RIAC president and CEO Mark Brewer. “The safety and security of our passengers is a top priority. Regular exercises, such as this one, ensure that we are continuously improving our response through the coordinated efforts of the many participating agencies.”
Upwards of 150 people and more than 25 agencies will be involved in the exercise. The event will be conducted as if it were an actual threat, with federal, state and local agencies responding accordingly. Additionally, area hospitals will participate as in the case of an actual emergency. The exercise, expected to last a few hours, will be held in both the terminal and on the north ramp on the airfield.
“This type of effort is necessary to enhance the continued safety and security of Green Airport, our residents and all our citizens,” said Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian. “We recognize the importance of this exercise to our community and appreciate the cooperation of all the agencies working with our own city’s emergency response teams”.
The drill involves the active collaboration of more than 25 agencies, including: the FAA, TSA, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US Army, RI Army National Guard, RI State Police, RI Fire Marshals Office, RIEMA, RIAC Police and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighters, City of Warwick Police and Fire. Special thanks goes to US Airways, which is providing staff and the aircraft that will be part of the exercise.
“Neighbors should note the increased activity in and around the airport,” said John Thomas, chief of the RIAC Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) unit who is coordinating the event. “Additional law enforcement and emergency vehicles are part of the drill and will be enacting an emergency response. This exercise is intended to review proper protocol in the event of a disaster and also to reassure travelers and others that the airport is prepared if an unfortunate event were to occur.”
This exercise is funded by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.
For additional information, contact Patti Goldstein, Vice President of Public Affairs and Air Service Marketing at 737-4000, ext. 272.
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