Detroit Metro & Willow Run Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Team Recognized for Excellence in Safety & Response

DETROIT, Sept. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Airport Authority that operates Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) and Willow Run (YIP) Airports has the unique distinction of being the only independent Airport Authority in the country to be accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).  The prestigious honor recognizes achievements in safety, efficiency, proactive planning, continuous process improvement and outstanding service delivery by fire and emergency service agencies throughout the world.

For the second time, since the Airport Authority was originally accredited in 2011, CFAI, and the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) recently reaffirmed the important, often life-saving, service provided by the Detroit Metropolitan and Willow Run Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team.

"The men and women that serve with our Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting team make a real difference in the lives of our customers, and we are extremely proud of their commitment and achievement," said Airport Authority CEO Thomas Naughton.  "They, along with other members of our public safety team, are on the frontline in delivering quality service and ensuring a safe operating environment for our travelers, business partners and community."

In addition to providing a unique and professional fire safety presence for one of the busiest hub airports in the country, Detroit Metro and Willow Run fire fighters are also all cross-certified as highly-trained paramedics, and are able to administer advance life support and medical treatment.  

"Our team will respond to more than 3,000 calls for assistance over the course of the year, not just at our airports, but also supporting our surrounding communities, as an instrumental mutual aid partner," said Airport Authority Fire Chief Mike Evans. "Our response and call-to-dispatch times are some of the best in the industry, and our team understands that attention to detail, and a strategic commitment to safety and continuous process improvement saves lives.  Accreditation through CFAI is testament to the professionalism of every one of our team members, and we are extremely honored to be recognized as leaders in our field." 

The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting team shares the rare distinction of international accreditation, with the Airport Authority's Police team.  The Airport Authority Police Department has maintained international law enforcement accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since 2008.   Together, recognition from CFAI and CALEA signify that Detroit Metro and Willow Run Airports' Public Safety team is among the best in the world. 

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed more than 33 million passengers in 2015 and is one of the world's leading air transportation hubs.   With service from 13 scheduled passenger airlines, Michigan's largest airport offers more than 1,100 flights per day to and from more than 140 non-stop destinations on four continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world's most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America.  DTW is operated by Wayne County Airport Authority, which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility.  The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations.   Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.

The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) is dedicated to assisting the fire and emergency service agencies throughout the world in achieving excellence through self-assessment and accreditation in order to provide continuous quality improvement and the enhancement of service delivery to communities.  The CFAI accreditation process promotes excellence within the organization, encourages improvements through a continuous self-assessment process and requires agencies to define a mission and related objectives that will result in improved organization performance.  For more information, visit www.publicsafetyexcellence.org

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SOURCE Wayne County Airport Authority