The Airport Division was established in 1980. There is currently one fire station on the airport complex, Fire Station #2, which was built by the Aviation Authority and completed in 2006. The Fire Station is located right next to Terminal A in between the airport's two main runways, making it very easy for Tampa Fire Rescue to meet the midpoint of the furthest runway in three minutes response criteria set by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). The station is staffed by a ten person crew on each 24-hour shift with a minimum staffing level of eight firefighters per shift. Also, there is a non-transport rescue unit assigned with two paramedics per shift.
All Aircraft Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) participate in a continuous training program on the latest aircraft rescue firefighting techniques. Live fire exercises are held three times a year for the purpose of teaching proper firefighting procedures and certification. The Airport Division is supervised by one Division Chief for all three shifts. The Airport Chief interacts with the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA), MacDill Air Force Base, Airline Pilots Association and the ARFF Working Group Association.
Tampa International Airport (TIA) is a Class I certified airport that services approximately 225 daily aircraft departures carrying an estimated 22,000 passengers. TIA protects these employees and customers with an Index E ARFF level of protection. This protection is provided by 4 front line ARFF vehicles carrying 10,500 gallons of water; 1,470 gallons of foam; 500 pounds of dry chemical Purple K and 460 pounds of Halotron. In addition, there are two reserve ARFF vehicles, one front line ARFF rescue vehicle, one reserve ARFF rescue vehicle and one 24-foot triage trailer. The pride and joy of this aggregate of ARFF protection is the new Oshkosh Striker 3000 that is capable of traveling from 0 to 50 mph in 26 seconds.