Team Fairchild assists in Spokane International Airport exercise Published June 14, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Taylor Shelton 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Spokane International Airport hosted an emergency exercise to practice response procedures to an on-airport aircraft accident scenario, June 9. The exercise included more than 40 local emergency responders from around the county to include: Spokane International Airport Fire and Rescue, Spokane International Airport Police Department, Spokane Fire Department, Fairchild Air Force Base Fire Department, Spokane County Fire District 10 and American Medical Response. “With the leadership from all of our partners on the West Plains and the incredible competence of the military personnel, volunteer firefighters and career firefighters, I feel very confident that the citizens and travelers to our area are protected to the highest levels from all risks,” said Brian Schaeffer, Spokane Fire Department assistant fire chief. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash during an emergency landing with 112 passengers on board. The objective was to provide responders with the opportunity to practice the airport’s Emergency Response Plan. “Fairchild's participation is pivotal to the success of any significant risk that our community faces,” said Schaeffer. “Their physical resources, personnel and leadership bring unique perspectives the civilian world cannot begin to re-create or replace.” Once every three years, Spokane International Airport is required by the Federal Aviation Administration to complete an Emergency Response Plan exercise. “The exercise was a great way to have all the agencies and departments from the area get a chance to work together and interact,” said Staff Sgt. Kari Dudoit, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. “It’s important to have a good working relationship with the other station and get comfortable with how everyone communicates.”
