For Immediate Release
February 12, 2026

BIRMINGHAM, AL (February 12, 2026) – The Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) has found a way to make good use of a Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) that has been retired from their emergency response and firefighting fleet. This morning, the BAA officially handed over the RIV to Oneonta Fire and Rescue.

“It’s rewarding for us to know that this vehicle will enhance Oneonta’s emergency response capabilities,” said Cameron Thompason, Vice President of Operations at BAA. “These vehicles play an important role during emergencies, giving firefighters the capability to arrive at the scene more quickly and begin the work of saving lives,” said Thompson. The donated RIV comes complete with fire suppression equipment and the space to store medical equipment and supplies. It will be housed at the Oneonta Municipal Airport at Robbins Field for rapid response to an airport emergency. It can also be used to respond to emergencies in the community.

The BAA has replaced the retiring RIV with a new Quick Response Vehicle (QRV), a Ford F550, 4×4 Diesel with built-in fire suppression equipment on board. It also stores medical equipment that allows the Airport Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) team to arrive at a scene and immediately begin live saving measures. The BAA has a dedicated ARFF unit made up of specially trained firefighters with Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. They serve at the airport 24/7 for aircraft emergencies and medical response.

For more information, please contact Kim Hunt at BAA or Oneonta Fire Chief Tyler Seehusen at #205-471-4673.

Media Contact: Kim Hunt
Birmingham Airport Authority
khunt@flybhm.com
#205-510-6676

About Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

As Alabama’s largest commercial airport, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport has served as a gateway to the sky for more than 90 years. Governed by the Birmingham Airport Authority, the airport continues to be a catalyst for growth and economic development for the entire region. For more information, visit flybhm.com or follow BHM on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.