Appleton International Airport Dedicates Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training Center

Appleton International Airport (ATW), in partnership with Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC), dedicated an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Training Center (ARFF) facility on Oct. 15. The center will provide training for airport first responders.

ARFF offers firefighting training involving airport ground emergencies and can recreate any scenario encountered on an airfield to provide real-world training exercises. The program offers FAA-required courses and custom-designed courses for individual airports and other agencies seeking ARFF instruction.

“The ARFF will ensure that airport firefighters are well prepared to respond when they are needed most,” said Dr. Chris Matheny, Fox Valley Technical College president. “The collaborative nature of the airport's relationship with Fox Valley Technical College has been a strong driver for the project and has enabled the Appleton Airport to build this facility at a fraction of the cost while making training services more accessible to airport first responders.”

The training facility is expected to draw firefighters from not only the United States, but from around the world. "The significant economic impact of ARFF will provide a boost to our local Fox Valley economy by welcoming students who will be utilizing our local services including hotels and restaurants,” said Abe Weber, Appleton Airport director.

The $14 million facility was funded in part by a $12 million grant from the FAA, with the remaining $2 million funded by the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics. Sen. Tammy Baldwin assisted in securing federal funding to finance construction and equipment purchases for the project after similar facilities in Michigan and Minnesota closed.

“The closures of aircraft rescue and firefighting training facilities created a serious gap in training services throughout the Great Lakes Region, making it difficult for our airport firefighters and first responders to obtain their required annual training,” said Baldwin. “Appleton International Airport and Fox Valley Technical College faced this challenge head on, and I am proud to support their partnership. I look forward to watching this center expand access to airport fire and rescue training services and grow our local economy as emergency professionals from across state lines travel to the Fox Valley.”

The training center will feature the world’s only Boeing 777 aircraft training prop and an Oshkosh Corporation 2019 6x6 Global Striker with a high-rise extendable turret with a piercing tip and can carry 3,000 gallons of water. The same equipment found at many U.S. airports will be found at the training center to familiarize students with equipment and situations they may see on the job.