LAKELAND, Fla. – Starting this week, the Lakeland Fire Department has officially shifted its airport safety operations into a higher gear. As of February 11, 2026, the department’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting unit, known as ARFF-2, is now permanently staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
While the specialized ARFF-2 vehicle has been a staple at Lakeland Linder International Airport for years, it previously didn’t have a dedicated team assigned to it at all hours.
This change isn’t about buying new trucks; it’s about putting boots on the ground. By keeping a full crew on standby around the clock, the department is boosting its ability to jump into action during an aircraft emergency while ensuring the airport stays on solid footing for years to come.
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This move is largely driven by federal rules. Under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, airports that handle commercial flights have to meet very specific standards for how fast they can respond to a crash or fire. As Lakeland Linder sees more commercial and general aviation traffic, having the ARFF-2 team ready at a moment’s notice helps the city stay in line with those strict federal safety benchmarks.
The expansion bumps the fire department’s citywide daily minimum staffing from 45 to 46 personnel.
This growth is a team effort, as Lakeland Linder International Airport is footing the bill for the extra positions. Local officials say this partnership shows a shared focus on protecting passengers, airport staff, and the neighbors living nearby.
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To make the transition work, the department has already promoted three Driver/Engineers and opened up bidding for the new ARFF-2 slots. More hiring is expected to follow in the next few months to fill out the ranks.
“This ensures we have the right personnel in place, at all times, to meet the operational demands of the airport,” said Fire Chief Douglas E. Riley. “We appreciate Lakeland Linder International Airport’s partnership and commitment to maintaining strong aviation safety standards.”
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