Public Safety
The Department of
Homeland Security oversees all programs, agencies and personnel
specifically assigned to protect the American public from acts of
terrorism, natural disasters and other emergencies. It coordinates
these protective measures with regional local public safety
officials and the public. As part of its mission, the Department
focuses on anticipating and pre-empting threats before
they occur. Such early detection works to deter threats to the
homeland, its people and economy. The effort is successfully
achieved by fielding a vast array of professionals trained in
threat management.
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA),
working under the supervision of the Department of Homeland
Security, governs the airport terminal and all access points to the
airport. Protecting the flying public are overlapping layers of
security and safety screening, staffed by 50,000 security officers,
inspectors, directors, air marshals and managers-a virtual army
designed to ensure the flying public is absolutely safe.
Comprehensive Site Security
Airports require the same level of
public safety and emergency services as a small city. The newly
built 9,250 square foot Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
facility is a state-of-the-art one-story building with three
drive-through bays. It provides an unparalleled measure of
security, outfitted to manage hazardous waste disposal, medical
decontamination, foam storage and terrorism. The Airport's Public
Safety Department is led by Chief Jeffrey Wright and his staff of
officers who are cross-trained and Georgia certified peace
officers, firefighters and airport aircraft firefighters. All
officers are certified as first-responders and some as EMT-I's.
"The facility has exponentially increased our capabilities. Our new
Rosenbauer Panther is state-of-the-art and the Oshkosh TA 1500 are
Aircraft Fire Fighting trucks that can be on-site and deploy water,
AFFF foam or dry chemical within seconds."
Columbus Police Chief, Ricky Boren
stated, "The new ease of access to the airport means we can fully
support airport personnel. Special attention to communication links
between air traffic control, local police and fire and the
air-operations center mean Columbus authorities are always in the
loop. It's a real partnership."
Columbus Fire/EMS Chief, Jeff Meyer
said, "The new public safety facility is great and easily
accessible with three drive-through bays. The airport's two minute
response time is important when we need them. It's a win-win."
Q & A