Denver Airport Polishes It's Wings for the Democratic National Convention!

Photo by Christie Caldwell: Assistant Fire Chief Kelly.

Interview with Denver International Airport Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Caldwell.

Interviewer: Rodger Caldwell.

In addition to normal vacation travel, well over 50,000 out-of-towners are expected to land in Denver this August for the Democratic National Convention. Delegates, press, protesters, vendors, those that want to be a part of history, or just crash some of the parties...Denver, here we all come! So we cannot help but wonder: Is Denver International Airport really ready for the onslaught?

As luck would have it, my husband Rodger´s brother Kelly is the Assistant Fire Chief of the Denver International Airport! So… Rodger decided to text Kelly up and ask him how the prep for the big event is going.

Kelly has served with the Denver Fire Dept. for 30 years. His previous assignments include Firehouse Captain and Operations Division Chief in Denver, CO. Kelly and many thousands of first responders like him across our nation are on call 24/7/365. Their selfless and often unseen service shields American families against a wide array of possible hazards. They are all true American heroes. Denver International Airport had over 4.5 million travelers flow through its facilities in May. Just imagine the population of Los Angeles plus 1,000,000 more strolling down the street in front of your house in one month! Guarding the safety and comfort of every single one of them is the Denver Fire Department´s mission.

Rodger: Do you have any tips for DNC attendees to help them move quickly through Denver International Airport facilities?

Kelly: Keep your bags close and follow the instructions before entering security! Once you´re there just look for the trains to the terminal toward the center of each concourse, and you´ll be on the right track.

Rodger: How is your team adjusting to accommodate the increased traffic?

Kelly: We have increased staff already onboard to address the needs of those that work at and pass through the airport.

Rodger: Word has it that you don´t just put out fires! Denver International Airport has Fire and Safety requirements that must cover a wide range of potential hazards. What fire department facilities are at the airport and how are they prepared to respond quickly when needed?

Kelly: Denver International Airport really is a city within a city! The Airport Division of the Denver Fire Department must address all of the potential public safety issues that arise in any municipality. For example, we have seven aircraft rescue trucks equipped with 3,000 gallons of foam on each, enough to put out an aircraft fire.

Denver firefighters as well as firefighters throughout the world respond to an ever increasing range of emergency incidents including and not limited to auto accidents, building collapse, floods, hazardous materials mishaps, aircraft emergencies, any incident where citizens require assistance can probably be addressed by the fire service.

Rodger: In addition to planning and preparing for some unthinkable catastrophe, does the Denver Fire Department also play a role in airport security?

Kelly: Every employee is responsible for maintaining airport security by paying attention to their surroundings, reporting suspicious activity; working and traveling in a safe manner. Actually every citizen passing through should do the same.

Rodger: The Democratic National Convention is planning to offer many modes of alternative transportation to the convention goers. For example they are planning to offer 1,000 bicycles free of charge during the convention and 100% of vehicles used by convention staff will be high fuel efficient trucks and cars. Is this coordinated with your team?

Kelly: Yes, our systems are in place to provide storage and assistance with the vehicles that will be used for the DNC.

Rodger: Fuel costs and concerns of climate change are impacting all of our lives on a daily basis. How have these factors affected your operations and does the fire department have ongoing programs to promote fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions?

Kelly: While it is still difficult to obtain alternative fueled fire apparatus we do have several alternative fuel vehicles. Additionally, we make every effort to extinguish all fires quickly and efficiently limiting emissions from that source.

Rodger: Are there any good jokes floating around the firehouse that you can tell us or maybe a recipe for firehouse chili?

Kelly: "CHAOS" stands for - Chief Has Arrived On Scene

Here is a real easy one that´s always good for a laugh, put baby powder or whatever you want on top of the ceiling fan blades in victim´s room and when he turns it on, it will go everywhere.

Roger: How about the chili recipe?

Kelly: No comment.

We later learned that the coveted award winning, Internationally renowned Denver International Airport firehouse chili recipe is a closely guarded secret developed over many years of careful research and development. It shall remain in the Denver International Airport firehouse kitchen and only comes out for the national chili cook-off. Airport security again rules the day.