b'PHOTO: DAVID SPARKS34 GRREMERGENCY RESPONSEPhysically joining the two separate structures could not impact the already-functioning Airport Operations Center, emphasizes Lance Aiken, project superintendent with Miller-Davis. The connection was made by extending a stairwell in the Airport Operations Center vertically to the second floor of the new ARFF building. To do so, crews had to remove the roof of the Airport Operations Center and extend columns that tie into the existing steelwithout destabilizing the structure. Careful coordination was required when shutting down any technology, utilities, water or fire suppression systems while the two structures were beingDrive-through bays were added to improve efficiencyjoined and the new ARFF building was brought online. and reduce response times for ARFF vehicles. In addition to ensuring that the Airport Operations Center remained fully functional during construction, crews had to beFrom Ad Hoc to Purpose-Builtespecially cognizant of the relocated security fence. It was a tightAfter decades of making do in a facility originally meant to store site with not a lot of room to move things around, Williams says.snow removal equipment, firefighters at GRR now have a station We had to go about it very strategicallywhere we had our accessdesigned expressly for their needs and special equipment. It also points, where material could be stored prior to being installed. serves as a hub for training and supporting the airports mutualBecause the project occurred during the 2024 presidentialaid partners. election season, coordinating construction activity with VIPPhysically linking the ARFF station to the Airport Operations flights was a unique and frequent challenge. However, BerghageCenter will further improve communication and coordination during says the team quickly established a routine to ensure safety andemergencies, Peric adds. We really see it as the nerve center for security without too much disruption to the project timeline.public safety and emergency response, he says. ONE GROUP.ONE MISSION.ONE VOICE.JOIN A GLOBAL NETWORK OF AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING PROFESSIONALS COMMITTED TO TRAINING, ADVOCACY, AND SAFETY. BECOME A MEMBER AT ARFFWG.ORGSeptember 2025AirportImprovement.com'