The Richmond International Airport, Byrd Flying Field dates back to 1927. It was later owned by the City of Richmond with fire and police protection was provided by the Public Works Department. The Capital Region Airport Commission was formed in the mid1970s. The Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Department at the Richmond International Airport was formed in 1993 from what was then the Public Safety Department. Because of the demands on the public safety officers was steadily increasing, it became more difficult to maintain required training and proficiency in police and fire roles.

The Public Safety Division now consists of the Police Department and the ARFF Department. The Police and ARFF Chief report to the Director Public Safety. The ARFF Department consists of 17 full time personnel consisting of 1 Chief, 3 Captains, 4 Lieutenants, and 9 Fire Fighters. All personnel are certified to at least a minimum level including NFPA based Fire Fighter Level 2, Airport Fire Fighter, Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations, and Emergency Medical Technician Level B. Minimum staffing level is 4 personnel on duty.

Services that we provide include Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting, Emergency Medical Response, Hazardous Materials Response, Fire Prevention Inspections, Pre-Emergency Surveys, Fire Extinguisher Inspections, CPR Training, AED Training, and more. The department responds to more than 580 requests for service or assistance each year. The Richmond International Airport is an FAR Part 139 Index C airport.

See more about our department in these publications;

The Virginia Fire News, September/October 1999 p.12 (article)

Fire Chief, February 2000, Cover, p.70 (photos taken at Richmond)

Fire Apparatus Journal, November-December, p.5 (photo)

The Virginia Fire News, September/October 2000 p.36 (article)

Emergency One Calendar, December 2001(photo)

ARFFWG News, Summer 2002