Capital City Fire Rescue welcomes new airport truck
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR) welcomed a new specialized emergency vehicle into service last week and promoted one of its own to firefighter-paramedic after he completed paramedic school.
The department’s newest apparatus, a Rosenbauer Panther 4×4 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) truck, arrived at the Glacier Fire Station near Juneau International Airport on Sept. 18 and was placed into service during a traditional push-in ceremony attended by city, airport, and fire department officials. The vehicle is designed for rapid response, rescue, and fire suppression during airport and aircraft emergencies.
CCFR says the truck continues a fire service tradition that dates back to the days of horse-drawn apparatus, and represents an important investment in the safety and emergency preparedness of the airport and community.
“We want to thank CBJ management, Juneau International Airport management, and the citizens of Juneau for their continued support and commitment to bringing this much-needed piece of equipment to our community,” CCFR stated. “Today we honor a fire service tradition while strengthening our ability to serve Juneau for years to come — welcome to the fleet, A-2.”
The new truck carries just over 1,500 gallons of water, has a 200-gallon foam tank, and carries secondary agents such as dry chemicals as well.
Another specialized truck, an Oshkosh Striker 6×6, was also ordered for the airport and is scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks.
The additions will restore the station’s full complement of three ARFF vehicles.
On the same day, CCFR congratulated firefighter Ben Tavasci on graduating from paramedic school and earning a promotion to firefighter-paramedic. Tavasci joined the department four years ago, working full-time with the CARES program while also volunteering as a Scene Support Firefighter.
He then applied for a position on the fire line and was hired as a firefighter EMT, before being selected as a paramedic student and taking on the challenge of attending paramedic school while continuing to serve the community.
“Ben’s story represents something we value deeply at CCFR — investing in our people,” CCFR stated.
“We believe in creating opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and advance through the ranks.”
CCFR added that developing talent from within not only strengthens the organization, but it helps the department retain dedicated, experienced people who know the community and are committed to serving it.
“(This is) what growing our own looks like,” CCFR stated. “Congratulations, Ben — we’re proud of everything you’ve accomplished and excited to see where your CCFR career takes you next.”
