9/11 Responders To Assist In Dedication Of New DFW Public Safety Station

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (August 21, 2003) — DFW Airport will officially open its newest Department of Public Safety (DPS) station on September 11, and will be dedicating it to honor 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 City of New York is sending representatives from each of the honored entities to participate in the dedication, which will also feature two military fly-overs, bagpipers and a ceremonial bell ringing to officially open DPS Station Number 5. A bronze plaque mounted on granite near the station's entryway commemorates the fallen heroes of New York.

Representatives from New York include Danny Brandenberger, FDNY firefighter, Ladder 120, Haz Mat Battalion; Capt. Jack O'Loughlin, FDNY EMS, of Harlem; and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Captain Kevin Devlin - all of whom were on duty September 11, 2001.

"We are deeply honored that our colleagues from New York are making time in their hectic schedules to attend the station dedication," said DFW Fire Chief Alan Black. "Our entire Department of Public Safety salutes all members of those New York City departments, and we are very glad to host them for our event. We hope it sends the message loud and clear: we will never forget the incredible heroism by all that day."

Due to its proximity to DFW's four terminals, the new station will significantly improve response time to the terminal area and enhance the safety of all guests of the Airport. DFW Airport Fire Services responds to approximately 2,500 EMS calls each year with more than 80 percent originating within the terminals. The new station will enable police, fire or rescue personnel to reach the terminals in four minutes or less which cuts critical response time by more than one minute.

The 23,000 square foot facility will be the most advanced of any airport facility in the U.S. "DFW thought it would be most fitting and appropriate to dedicate the station to the memory of the fallen New York Police, Fire, EMS and Port Authority personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001," said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW Airport. "Every airport, every emergency worker in America identifies with and appreciates the valor and courage of those lost on that date. The station dedication is a finite way we can remember those sacrifices and commitment to duty every day of the year." 

Bagpipers from Dallas Fire-Rescue and Dallas Police Department will play as New York and DFW personnel place a wreath near the station's dedication plaque. The 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."

The ceremony also will feature scheduled military fly-overs from the 80th Flying Training Wing (FTW) at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas and the 552nd Airborne Control Wing (ACW) at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City. A fly-over by a CareFlight air ambulance that serves DFW will be accompanied by patriotic music performed by rising local singing star Kristy Lee of Frisco. DFW is inviting the entire Airport community as well as representatives from other area public safety departments to the event. The ceremony will close with a ceremonial ringing of a fire bell, proclaiming the station open for duty.

Delta Air Lines is donating round-trip airfare to each of the representatives from New York's LaGuardia Airport to DFW, and the Embassy Suites-Outdoor World, just north of DFW, is providing accommodations.

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, two 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.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at 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 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