MESA, Ariz. — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority will be conducting a triennial emergency response exercise at the Airport on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The realistic exercise is a Federal Aviation Administration certification requirement to test airfield disaster preparedness and response against current response plans and capabilities. The exercise will involve approximately 200 people and more than 15 different mutual aid partners.

“Safety is our top priority at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport," said Communications Manager, Brian Sexton. “This important exercise provides us the opportunity to work with regional and Federal partners, maintain relationships, and do everything we can to be as safe as possible.”

Participating agencies will include U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Gateway Airport’s Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters (ARFF), Emergency Response Services from Gilbert, Queen Creek, Southwest Ambulance and AMR (EMS), emergency management teams from Maricopa and Pinal Counties, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Offices, Mesa Police Department, Gilbert Police Department, Arizona State University Police, Arizona Department of Health Services, American Red Cross, and Allegiant Air.

All flight operations will continue as normal during the exercise. Motorists are asked to be aware of additional emergency vehicles and security personnel along Ray and Sossaman Roads.

About Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority
The Airport is owned and operated by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, which consists of Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Gila River Indian Community, Phoenix, and Apache Junction. Gateway Airport offers nonstop passenger service to over 35 cities via Allegiant. Gateway has 1,000 acres of undeveloped land available for future job growth in the East Valley. For more information, visit www.phxmesagateway.org.

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Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Media Contact:
Brian Sexton
Phone: 480-988-7618
Email: bsexton@phxmesagateway.org