DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Marked by a
large red, white and blue wreath and commemorated by a ceremonial "last bell,"
bagpiper and a CareFlight helicopter flyover, DFW Airport officially opened
its newest Department of Public Safety (DPS) station today, dedicating it to
the men and women of the New York City Police Department, Fire Department, EMS
and New York/New Jersey Port Authority who gave their lives during the
terrorist attacks two years ago.
The Airport community of airlines, tenants and employees attended, waving
American flags and joining in the singing of "God Bless the U.S.A." as DFW's
leaders spoke about the sacrifices of the past and the opportunities of the
future.
The City of New York sent representatives from each of the departments
that responded to the terrorist attacks, including Police Captain Kevin Devlin
of the New York/New Jersey Port Authority; Captain Jack O'Loughlin, FDNY EMS,
of Harlem; Danny Brandenberger, FDNY firefighter, Ladder 120, Haz Mat
Battalion; and New York Police Officer Robert Browne, Midtown North Precinct.
"We appreciate our honored guests from New York who are here today both to
share in the memory of their brothers and sisters, and to celebrate the
opening of this new station," said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. "This facility was
purpose-built to serve a single, critical mission -- to save lives."
Station Five's cornerstone plaque commemorating the fallen heroes of New
York was unveiled during an emotional ceremony, and the four New York
representatives placed a wreath by it to remember their colleagues who
perished. The memorial plaque reads, "In memory of the firefighters, police
officers and emergency medical personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice on
September 11, 2001. May this station serve as a reminder of the courage and
integrity displayed by the men and women of our profession that tragic day in
history. The angels shall watch over them today and forever."
Following the unveiling of the plaque and a final salute, Captain Devlin
presented Fegan with an American flag that flew over Ground Zero earlier this
week.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City sent DFW a letter expressing the
city's appreciation for the recognition, noting, "The best way to honor those
who gave their lives on 9/11 is to continue to show in our daily lives the
strong and compassionate spirit of a great city in a free nation."
"There is no doubt the memory of September 11, 2001 is indeed sorrowful
and painful," said Alan Black, Fire Chief at DFW. "Many of us at DFW knew
someone in public safety who gave their lives that day. But today is also
about the future of our Airport, the freedom of travel and flight that those
who died that day were dedicated to protect."
The 23,000-square-foot facility will be the most advanced of any airport
facility in the U.S. and will significantly improve response time to DFW's
four terminals. Located less than a mile from the central terminal area, the
new station will enable police, fire or rescue personnel to reach passenger
facilities in four minutes or less -- cutting critical response time by more
than one minute. DFW responds to more than 5,000 emergency and medical calls
to its terminals every year.
"DFW has worked very hard since September 11 to make our Airport as safe,
secure and friendly as possible," says Alvy Dodson, Vice President of Public
Safety at DFW. "The results speak for themselves. Our security is high, and
our checkpoint lines are short -- and we remain ever vigilant, ever watchful,
every day, in service to our tenants, our employees and our passengers."
Since the September 11 attacks, government and aviation leaders have cited
DFW as a national leader in security, aggressively creating a number of
security enhancements beyond federal mandates. The Airport has spent more
than $4 million for key additions to DFW security including:
-- Enhancing perimeter fencing
-- Implementing ID and documentation validation systems
-- Requiring all employees and flight crews to submit to screening when
entering secure gate areas
-- Adding three additional explosive detection K9 teams
-- Placing a state-of-the art Mobile Command Post vehicle into service
-- Implementing a full Weapons of Mass Destruction/Decontamination
Program
-- Installing an encrypted, secure communications system
A number of other security-related projects are in process to further
enhance access and perimeter security. Some are obvious to passengers, and
others are behind the scenes. DFW Airport has also met all of the mandates of
the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and led the development of
more integrated communication and coordination between departments, airlines,
tenants and other law enforcement agencies.
While at D/FW, New York's designated representatives will take part in
other official activities, including the Texas Rangers' annual Police Officers
and Firefighters Appreciation Night. The event, scheduled to take place on
Friday, September 12 at The Ballpark in Arlington, will kick off with a pre-
game ceremony featuring police and firefighters from local municipalities.
The New York dignitaries will be recognized at the ceremony, which will be
marked by the City of Arlington Police Department's color guard, a trio of
firefighters singing the anthem, and participation in first pitch events.
About DFW Airport:
Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW
International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 2,000
flights per day and serving 54 million passengers a year. DFW International
Airport provides non-stop service to 132 domestic and 30 international
destinations worldwide.
About Station #5:
Wright Commercial Contracting Inc. of Plano, Texas was awarded
$5.28 million to build the structure. The 23,000-square-foot building will
house 15 firefighter/paramedics responsible for providing fire and EMS
services to the Airport, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The facility is outfitted with a fire truck, a rescue unit, three mobile
intensive care units and a mobile command post. The location of the new
facility was determined based on call load to the central terminal area.
SOURCE DFW International Airport
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.dfwairport.com
CONTACT:
Ken Capps, APR, VP Public Affairs of DFW
International Airport, +1-972-574-8080
NOTE TO EDITORS: This release, and past news releases issued by
DFW International Airport, are available online at
http://www.dfwairport.com in the "MediaSite" section. For the latest
news, real-time flight information, parking availability or
further details regarding the many services provided at DFW
International Airport, log on to http://www.dfwairport.com . To arrange
interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS [6397] or
Ken Capps, APR, Vice President Public Affairs,
kcapps@dfwairport.com
|
