King County first in the nation to order new hybrid fire truck
 Above, the Striker Volterra 6x6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric fire engine. Photo courtesy of Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) will be the first airport in the nation to receive a Striker Volterra 6x6 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) hybrid electric fire engine after finalizing purchase details last month with Oshkosh Airport Products, a division of Pierce Manufacturing Inc. The new rig complements the airport's existing diesel-powered firefighting vehicles also made by Oshkosh Airport Products and will allow the airport to retire its oldest diesel fire truck.
“Climate change is an urgent global crisis that requires us all to do our part, in ways large and small, to shrink our carbon footprint,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We are operating a major international airport, and this first-of-its-kind hybrid fire truck is another way we are leading the way on reducing both carbon emissions and the harms to communities most impacted by ambient pollution.”
Based on Oshkosh’s proprietary technology, the new Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicle was developed to meet the growing emergency response and environmentally-conscious needs among airports of all sizes. The patented hybrid-electric drivetrain features an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission, which allows zero-emissions with primary day-to-day operations when powered by the integrated onboard batteries and can be coupled to the internal combustion engine to provide continuous and uninterrupted power to the emergency response systems.
“The Striker Volterra ARFF hybrid electric vehicle provides the environmental benefits fire departments request, without having to compromise on the most advanced operational performance, functionality, safety attributes, customization, and the traditional configurations and styling firefighters expect from our fire apparatus,” said Jack Bermingham, business unit director for Oshkosh Airport Products. “We’re confident KCIA’s new Striker Volterra will provide reliable and proven support for critical missions while maximizing the benefits of fuel and emissions reduction.”
“We’re looking forward to being the first airport in the nation to own and operate a Striker Volterra ARFF Vehicle,” said John Parrott, director of KCIA. “It’s an investment toward our climate goals and our vision of creating a world-class airport.”
When fully loaded, the Striker Volterra can go from zero to 50 miles per hour in 25 seconds and achieve 28 percent improved acceleration over the standard diesel model.
“I am thrilled to see King County International Airport-Boeing Field leading the way in improving emergency response times and prioritizing safety for our communities,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “The investment into a new hybrid electric fire engine highlights their commitment to a greener and more efficient firefighting approach and ensures enhanced safety measures for all.”
King County expects to take delivery in mid-2024.
See the entire media release.
KCIA first in the U.S. to begin IATA Environmental Assessment program
King County International Airport – Boeing Field (KCIA) is the first airport in the U.S. to begin the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program, a new international certification program that helps airports and other air transport industry stakeholders towards greater environmental sustainability.
“It’s a commitment to our external customers that we’re doing everything we can to protect the environment,” said John Parrott, director of King County International Airport-Boeing Field. “It’s showing our commitment to our community that we care.”
IEnvA is based on globally recognized environmental and sustainability standards, as well as industry best practices. It is administered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 300 airlines or 83% of total air traffic.
See the complete media release.
Eight ducklings rescued from airport storm drain
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Airport employees recently rescued eight ducklings who had fallen into a shallow storm drain, reuniting all of them safely with their mother.
Thanks to Ryan Johnston, Brian Kruml, and Jadyn Saporito for the rescue.
It all started with a phone call to Airport Operations from a corporate client that a mother duck and her ducklings were walking around near a storm drain on their ramp, according to Sam Priest, Airport Duty Manager. The tenant was worried that some ducklings may have fallen into the drain.
Responding employees discovered that is exactly what happened.
“They opened up the grate and got buckets to scoop out the ducklings,” Priest said.
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“The mama duck made her way out the gate she came through and hunkered down into a bush with the four ducklings that were already with her,” Priest said. “We delivered the ducklings back to her as they were getting rescued.”
“Two of the ducklings managed to go through the pipe system and we had to go to another storm drain on landside to find them,” Priest said. “All eight were rescued without any harm, and Nordstrom, as well as Ops, will be keeping an eye on the bush that they escaped to, so they don’t make it back on the airfield again.”
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Were the rescued ducklings named Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack, as in the famous children’s book, Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey? The mother duck didn’t say.
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Driver sentenced in hit-and-run that killed former airport deputy director
The driver who pled guilty in the hit-and-run death of Mike Colmant has been sentenced to 20 months in jail. The Seattle Times reports that Julian Hamilton was arrested last November and charged with vehicular homicide, a felony. Mike was riding his bike near Seward Park in April 2021 when he was struck and killed. The crime remained unsolved for more than a year and a half as the driver fled the scene.
Mike was the deputy director at KCIA, and a beloved mentor and colleague. He served the airport for more than two decades and was well known for inspiring and guiding employees. Mike also played a key role in many projects and initiatives throughout the years.
One of the projects he was most proud of was the team effort to repair the main runway at KCIA in just two weeks after the Nisqually earthquake in 2001. As deputy director, Mike was always happy to share his expertise with young people considering aviation careers through programs such as DiscoverU.
In his free time, Mike was an avid swimmer, cyclist, and runner, and had several notable marathon and half-marathon finishes under his belt. He was also a ten-time Ironman Hawaii World Championship finisher.
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Registration open for third annual FOD Walk
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Registration is now open for the airport's third annual FOD Walk, an opportunity to walk the large runway and remove "Foreign Object Debris" or "FOD." The runway will be closed to air traffic during the event.
There will be food, beverages and door prizes at the end of the walk in the Museum of Flight parking lot. This event is limited to 250 people. Participants must be at least 14 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.
Registration link and event details
Parking: Museum of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle
Date: Saturday, July 22
Check in opens: 7 a.m.
Mandatory safety meeting: 8:15 a.m.
Time: 8:30 - 11 a.m.
Photo from 2022 FOD walk shows someone picking up debris on the runway.
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Jon Youngblood returns to ARFF as new chief
Welcome back!
Jon Youngblood has come back to King County International Airport-Boeing Field’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) unit, where he was assigned as both a deputy and a sergeant from January 2011 to May 2020. Youngblood, who was acting chief during Chief Greg Thomas’ absences, replaces Thomas, who left for a position with Sound Transit.
“It kind of feels like I am coming home!” Youngblood said. “I have been in this profession since 1992, but my time at ARFF was the longest I stayed in any position. I think that was because of the broad scope of an ARFF deputy – fire, EMS, law enforcement – kept things challenging and busy.”
Most recently, Youngblood was Captain of Operations for Metro Transit Police. Youngblood began working for the King County Sheriff’s Office in 2001 after moving from Colorado. He started his law enforcement career in 1992.
“I am looking forward to seeing friends at KCIA and working with the great crew at ARFF,” Youngblood said. “I hope to reacquaint myself with all of the procedures and it will be fun to get back in the fire gear and do some training.”
Youngblood has been married to his wife, Traci, for 26 years and has two adult children. They enjoy warm vacations, hiking with their two new children (German Shepherds), and he enjoys spending the occasional weekend racing cars.
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Chief Greg Thomas takes new job at Sound Transit
Congratulations and best wishes to Chief Greg Thomas, who has started a new job at Sound Transit.
Thomas, who served as Chief of Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting at KCIA for five years, now works at Sound Transit as the administrative captain.
“I enjoyed working with our Community Outreach program and helping to promote the airport and the ARFF Unit,” Thomas said.
As ARFF Chief at the airport, he created several projects including the Duwamish spirit pole and the Aviators Memorial. He actively supported airport area cleanups, food drives and more.
Thomas joined the King County Sheriff’s Office in 1982, starting out in the Federal Way precinct before the city created its own police department. He worked as a deputy and field trainer and achieved Master Police Officer in 1988. In 1990 he was promoted to patrol sergeant and assigned to patrol.
Then he was assigned to the Property Management Unit, where he helped manage all of KCSO assets and evidence.
In 2000 Thomas was promoted to Captain, primarily involved in special emphasis teams with a drug interdiction emphasis. His notable accomplishments include helping build the Sammamish police department facilities and closing and then re-opening the Maple Valley precinct.
In 2016 he led the creation of the Fallen Deputy Memorial in the King County Courthouse. He was promoted to Major in 2018 for Precinct 3. He led the team that created the K-9 memorial the Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center in Renton in 2018.
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Vanessa Chin’s conference participation leads to new national equity work
Vanessa Chin, Innovation Section Manager, is walking the walk, in addition to talking the talk. After serving as a panelist at two conferences recently, she has been invited to participate in the Airport Minority Advisory Council’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Center for Excellence.
“I will be involved in helping them stand up this program for airports,” Chin said. She explained that not all airports have equity initiatives or may be at the beginning of their journey, and the program will help airports around the country.
Chin served as a panelist on AMAC’s “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Impact” session at their annual conference in San Antonio, Texas. She also spoke at the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Annual Conference as a panelist on the “Diversity Works: Why It’s Still Needed in the Workplace” session.
“For me, what I thought was a major celebration: our substantial and effective progress with how we move forward with equity and social justice work at the airport,” Chin said. “We have an executive, airport director, and airport deputy director who lead the way and are very open and publicly supportive of what our whole entire team does with ESJ. That’s number one, a huge game changer, having the trust and urgency to move the work forward.”
“We’re encouraged to contribute and give back to the airport industry,” she added. “It’s really fun that I get to serve on these panels and talk about why this still matters.”
“It’s such a great place to be leading the way and be thought partners across industry,” Chin said.
Photo above, left to right:
Jesus Saenz, Aviation Director, San Antonio Airport System; Vanessa Chin, Innovation Section Manager, KCIA; Andrea Albo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Denver International Airport; Renato Camacho, President and Chief Executive Officer, Akron-Canton Airport
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Sean Moran recognized for leadership in AAAE
Sean Moran, Airport Operations Manager, recently received an Award of Appreciation from the Airport Association of Airport Executives for his work co-chairing the new National Young Professionals Committee over the last two years. Along with Molly Hunsaker of PGAL, who was also recognized, Moran transitioned the earlier ad-hoc group to an official codified committee.
Under their leadership, the National Young Professionals Committee grew from about 146 to 460 members and is one of the most active.
“We were the second highest populated committee within AAAE,” Moran said.
The Young Professionals Committee, focused on members ages 18 to 35, met monthly, even during the pandemic. Last year the group had a three-day conference, with “dynamic speakers, engaging sessions, informative content as well as many networking opportunities,” Moran said.
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Experience "Live Fire" with ARFF video
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Thanks to Deputy Jason Brown of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting at KCIA, you can get a sense of the required annual training that fire fighters go through at the periodic "Live Fire" exercise. The training is a day-long experience with multiple rounds of different drills.
Take a look at the brief video, a compilation of pictures and video taken at this spring's training at the Rocky Mountain Emergency Services Training Center in Helena, MT.
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Fire academy graduates join KCIA ARFF unit
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Lee Lim, left, and Austin Peterson, right, shown with Chief Greg Thomas, center, graduated from the fire academy on June 27.
"Austin and Lee both stood out as leaders in their class," Thomas said. "The KCIA ARFF unit is proud to welcome them aboard."
Now certified ARFF members, they earned their certificates in Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Congratulations!
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Area airports plan runway closures, change of CTAF
Airports around the region have some important activities and closures coming up this summer that pilots may want to be aware of.
William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles (CLM) is closing runways for construction starting July 6. Some days both runways will be closed; other days one runway will be open. Impacts will continue for 90 days. Pilots should check NOTAMs or call the Fairchild Airport at 360-417-3437 for details.
Auburn Municipal Airport (S50) will be changing their Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to 122.975 starting on August 10. CTAF is a frequency designated for aircraft pilots to communicate with each other directly, air-to-air, while operating to or from an airport without an operating control tower such as Auburn’s.
Auburn also has an upcoming 28-day runway closure, yet to be scheduled, starting late this summer. Check Auburn Airport’s website for more information.
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