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RELEASE – City of Reno and Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Reach Approval for Transfer of Fire Services

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Interlocal Agreement Moves Forward Benefiting Regional Fire Response 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

View Online Version, Spanish Translation Available

City of Reno Media Phone: 775-430-5005 

Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Media Contact: Nicolle Staten 844-RNO-INFO 

Media Availability: 

Who: Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, Reno Fire Chief David Cochran, and Reno Airport Chief Operations and Public Safety Officer Chris Jensen 

What: Reno Fire Department and Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Interlocal Agreement   

When: Wednesday, October 23, 3:00pm   

Where: Reno City Hall, First Floor Lobby 

Reno, NV. (Oct. 23, 2024) – Today, the City of Reno and the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) announce the approval of an Interlocal Agreement (ILA). The agreement combines city and airport fire departments in order to meet the needs of a growing community and a growing airport. The ILA was approved by the RTAA Board of Trustees on September 19, 2024 and the Reno City Council on October 23, 2024. 

Under this agreement, the RTAA will transfer fire department personnel, responsibilities and certain elements of infrastructure to the City of Reno, including the existing fire station premises. The City of Reno will also provide Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and comprehensive fire protection services for all RTAA properties, including the airport itself, hotels and off-airport businesses. This transition marks a significant step forward in achieving both RTAA’s and the City of Reno’s shared goal of delivering efficient, high-quality services to meet the growing needs of the community. 

Key Benefits of the Agreement Include: 

  • Additional Resources: The ILA solidifies an extended network of services to protect the airport and surrounding properties, ensuring continued timely response capabilities for both aviation and non-aviation areas. 
  • Increased Staffing and Training: Fire department personnel currently employed by the RTAA will transition to City of Reno employment, thereby increasing each entities access to first responders without the need to engage a mutual aid agreement. 
  • Efficient and Cost-Effective: The City of Reno will provide ARFF and all-hazard fire protection services across all RTAA property and facilities. The RTAA will reimburse the City of Reno’s costs, subject to various cost control measures, ensuring cost efficiency for both parties. 
  • Compliant and Strategic Growth: With the RTAA’s continued growth, especially in non-aviation property, the ILA supports the RTAA’s organizational, operational and financial goals, ensuring that fire protection services meet all FAA rules and regulations. 

“We thank the City of Reno and Mayor Schieve for their partnership and leadership in bringing this agreement to conclusion,” said Daren Griffin, President/CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. “The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Fire Department is comprised of an exceptional group of first responders and regardless of reporting structure, they will continue their laser focus on public safety. As we continue to expand our non-airport footprint, it is important to have the support needed to continue providing the highest levels of safety and service to the community and passengers we serve.” 

This transition will not negatively impact the City of Reno’s existing fire services. The agreement represents an overall enhancement, as it consolidates fire protection for the RTAA and increases fire resources available to the broader city. 

“We are proud to be partnering with the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority on this agreement,” said Reno Fire Chief, Dave Cochran. “The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Fire Department is filled with experienced and talented individuals, and we are excited to welcome them to the Reno Fire Department family. By consolidating resources between our two organizations, we will provide a more efficient and effective emergency response for both residents and travelers. Ultimately, it’s about using our combined strengths to better serve and protect our northern Nevada community.” 

This mutually beneficial agreement provides an extended system of resources for our community, region and passengers, while ensuring the highest level of safety and efficiency. Under the terms of the agreement, the City and the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority have six months to finalize details and determine a transition date.  

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About the City of Reno:

The City of Reno government’s mission is creating a community that people are proud to call home. In order to achieve that purpose, the Reno City Council has established six overarching goals for the City of Reno. To learn more about the City of Reno, visit Reno.gov or call 775-334-INFO (4636).  

About the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority:

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates two of the most important economic drivers for our region–the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not state or local taxes. Ten airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.

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