The Naples Airport Authority and the City of Naples Fire-Rescue Department celebrated the grand opening of the new Naples Airport Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Station/City of Naples Fire Station #3 with a hose uncoupling. The event included remarks from NAA Executive Director Chris Rozansky, NAA Board of Commissioners Chair Michael Lenhard, City of Naples Fire-Rescue Department Chief Pete DiMaria and City of Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann.

The new ARFF is a state-of-the-art facility that replaces the airport’s original fire station that was built in 1989. The $5.8 million facility, jointly funded by the Naples Airport Authority and FDOT, was built to the highest standards and specifications of the fire service with special attention paid to airfield response requirements. While the primary focus of the station is fire and emergency response within the airport, the new location also provides improved access to the surrounding community that will decrease response times and continue to improve safety within the City of Naples.

The facility was built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane to ensure continuity of service, as well as serve as an emergency operations center to assist with Collier County response efforts.

The completion of the ARFF further solidifies the existing partnership between the Naples Airport Authority, City of Naples and City of Naples Fire-Rescue Department, and exemplifies their shared commitment to safety.

Naples Airport is ideally located within minutes of downtown Naples, the Gulf of Mexico and I-75, connecting people to the Paradise Coast through an exceptional airport experience. The airport serviced 104,479 annual operations in the last fiscal year, while being an engaged, responsive partner to the community. Home to flight schools, air charter operators, car rental agencies, and corporate aviation and non-aviation businesses, the airport is also a central location for public services, including fire/rescue services, mosquito control, the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit and other community services.

All funds used for the airport’s operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or federal and state grants from aviation-related user fees. The airport receives no local tax dollars. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport’s annual economic impact to the community at more than $440 million.

For more information or to subscribe to email updates from the airport, visit www.FlyNaples.com.