Photo By Alexander Rector | Justin Stacy, A lead firefighter assigned to the Hancock Field Air National Guard Base...... read more read more
Syracuse, NY - Fourteen members of the Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Fire Dept. participated in the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority’s triennial disaster drill at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Aug. 10, 2024.
The drill is mandated by the Federal Aviation Authority which requires the airport to do a full-scale exercise to implement and refine its emergency action plan.
“This year’s scenario involved a simulated crash between an Air National Guard HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter and a regional passenger jet,” said Senior Master Sgt. Derek Natoli, the deputy fire chief for the Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Fire Department.
The fire department, which is staffed by uniformed guardsmen and federal civilian firefighters, began full-time operations in 2022. Prior to then the City of Syracuse Fire Department provided firefighting services to the airport.
“This is our first time at the helm of the triennial drill,” said Natoli, who has participated in every drill since joining the unit in 2010. “My first drill in 2013 was the most memorable. Having to deal with 30 to 40 people screaming for help and having to process everything. It was a good eye
opener for me.”
Having only operated on a full-time basis for two years, this year’s drill was the first for many of the department’s firefighters. “Training like this helps Airmen understand why we’re here and it gives them an understanding of what we would do if an accident like this happens,” said Natoli. “It's important to do training like this to exercise your capabilities. To know what you did well and what you need to work on. To identify your best practices.”
The drill, though spearheaded by the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA), brought together several state and local agencies to ensure a productive training environment. Additionally, more than 60 volunteers participated in the event roleplaying as casualties, family members, and news media.
“The preparedness fostered by the triennial full-scale exercise is essential to responding swiftly and with purpose in the event of a real emergency,” said Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Jason Terreri. “We greatly appreciate the support and volunteerism of all the participating members of the airport ecosystem – both internal and external to the airport property – who help make this event successful every three years.”
During the drill more than 40 personnel from local volunteer fire departments and emergency medical service agencies participated as mutual aid partners. “It’s good to see them and it’s good for them to come out and participate in the drill,” said Natoli. “Hopefully it’s a good
opportunity for them to spread their wings a little bit and come together with us and work cohesively.”
The execution of the triennial drill took months of coordination between the SRAA, the wing, and various other participants. “The airport, external agencies, and our staff here at the 174th put a lot of time and effort into planning this drill and often their efforts go unnoticed,” said Natoli. “We
are thankful for their time and support for this because we’re the ones who see the chaos when it really happens.”
The 174 th Attack Wing is one of five wings in the New York Air National Guard. The wing operates the MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft and is headquartered at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY.
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.27.2024 12:21 |
| Story ID: | 479489 |
| Location: | SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 72 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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