Expect To See Numerous Emergency Vehicles at Rochester International Airport on Thursday
Do not be alarmed if you see a convoy of emergency vehicles heading out to the Rochester International Airport this Thursday morning. First responders, healthcare workers, and airport officials will be at RST for a full-scale training exercise.
The airport is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct this type of exercise once every three years. Today, the city sent out a press release, which you can read below, that explains what will happen at the airport on Thursday and who will be there.
Rochester International Airport and City of Rochester to Conduct Full-Scale
Training Exercise:
The city's press release explained that the exercise will take place on September 16th between 9a-1p.
What: On September 16 2021, the Rochester International Airport (RST), in partnership with the City of Rochester, will conduct a full-scale training exercise at RST. The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate and strengthen the airport’s operational capability and its emergency management system. This exercise will bring a simulated aircraft emergency to life; testing the skills and preparation of local emergency management, airport employees, Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, Mayo Clinic health care systems, Olmsted Medical Center, Southern Minnesota Regional
Medical Examiner’s Officer, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service.
Where: This training exercise will take place at several locations including on the airfield of the RST, IUOE Local 49, Rochester International Event Center, and City of Rochester Emergency Operations Center facilities.
Earlier this year, RST kicked off Phase 1 of construction on their runway improvement project. The multi-year project will cost $79.2 million.