The Grand Junction Regional Airport has a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle, strengthening the airport’s emergency-response capabilities, the airport announced in an April 27 news release.

The new vehicle, an Oshkosh Striker 3,000, significantly enhances the airport’s firefighting capacity, as the apparatus carries 3,000 gallons of water, double the capacity of the airport’s existing ARFF vehicles. It also carries 500 pounds of dry-chemical agent and is equipped with 420 gallons of fluorine-free firefighting foam.

The total cost of the vehicle was $1,239,004, with $900,000 funded through a grant from the Colorado Division of Aeronautics and the remainder funded locally by the airport.

“This new fire truck represents a major investment in both safety and sustainability at our airport,” Airport Authority Board Chair Linde Marshall said. “With support from the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, we’re enhancing our fleet and our emergency-response capabilities while also being one of the first adopters of environmentally responsible firefighting foam. It’s clear we have a dedicated team who seek opportunities to position the airport for success. This ARFF truck addition is just another example of the wins we celebrate at the airport frequently.”

David Ulane, director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics, said, “The Colorado Division of Aeronautics is committed to enhancing the safety of our statewide aviation system, and our grant funding for projects like this new ARFF vehicle is but one example of this. We’re proud to support the Grand Junction Regional Airport with this important acquisition as they partner with us to ensure the highest level of safety for their airport and the traveling public.”

The Grand Junction Regional Airport Authority Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department is trained to respond to aircraft emergencies. The ARFF team works in collaboration with the Grand Junction Fire Department and other agencies to provide adequate emergency response at and near the Grand Junction Regional Airport.