Joe and Staff,
Thank you for a job well done! We enjoyed the training and the updated information you provided to us with the ARFF burns.

Joe- I hope you received my long winded message in May complementing your organization on the excellent training session in Ogdensburg, N Y. It was great and the locals are still talking about it.
Thanks again and we will contact you again soon for next year's 8 hour course.

The training involved several fire departments, EMS and law enforcement officers in an emergency preparedness drill. It has helped to prepare our officers with the skills including knowledge, communication, patience and authority. In this simulation firefighters had to put out the fire on an aircraft and work their way around the hoses to rescue the lifelike dummies that were removed through the thick smoke that billowed the air, law officers had to control the crowd and protect the scene from being tampered with, then the emergency response workers had to work to get the survivors from the wreckage to the gurney, and then into the ambulance where they were transported to the hospital. The emergency room workers were also involved in this realistic scenario as they prepared to respond to the injuries of these victims. From the airport side of things, Joe and his instructors were excellent! Classroom portion was delivered in a way that also allowed for enough time on the field.

We have been happy with the training we received; the officers continue to use the training they obtained in their jobs.

Dear Mr. Joe Teixeira
I would like to thank you and your department for assisting Orlando International Airport Fire/Rescue Department with our required FAA FAR 139 Live Fire Training. I would like to recognize yourself and Mr. John Yuhas for your assistance with these fires on March 2, 3, 4, 2009.

It was a pleasure to work with both of you as we operated under the Florida Statute 633.821, thereby creating a safe environment for our firefighters and instructors while meeting our goal. The FAA FAR 139 Live Fire training requires a strong commitment to safety and with your help we were able to complete this task with ease. Your aircraft simulator was everything you advertised allowing our personnel to perform low/high engine fires. The realistic training was fresh, re-current, and fun. The professional attitudes of yourself and Mr. John Yuhas allowed us to formulate measurable goals and effectively reach our goals.

It was a privilege to work with yourself and Mr. John Yuhas on these fires. Your teamwork and professionalism was great. Please share my well wishes and I would like to recognize both of you for a job well done. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment are appreciated by all at OIAFR and myself.

Dear Mr. Teixeira
We are pleased to recognize the Kellogg Community College ARFF program with the Airports Partnership Award at our 24th Annual Airports Conference. The Kellogg Community College, ARFF program, has been instrumental throughout the county in providing Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) training to not only Part 139 airports, but to the surrounding mutual aid fire departments as well.

Kellogg Community College operates as a regional mobile ARFF trainer that is known in the FAA Great Lakes Region and beyond for providing exceptional ARFF training. The ARFF training program began in 1995 serving 11 airports and training 270 fire fighters in Michigan. Today the program serves over 26 airports in five FAA regions across the United States. This year they conducted over 66 classes, training more than 1220 fire fighters.

The ARFF training simulator and the instructors providing the training should be recognized for their expertise and excellent services which have enhanced airport safety throughout the FAA Great Lakes Region and beyond. This excellent fire training program is noteworthy and well deserving of our recognition.