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