The Rochester Airport Fire Department was first organized in 1956, when the County of Monroe hired two firefighters (James Locus and Paul McDowell). In 1957, two additional firefighters were hired, bringing the total number of paid firefighters to four. In 1960, the department added five more members and saw the equivalent of it's first Fire Chief, Supervising Firefighter Francis Flagg.
Chief Flagg had a workforce of 8 paid firefighters, supplemented by six mechanics who were cross-trained as firefighters. These personnel all operated out of building #4, which doubled as the Fire Station and Equipment Maintenance facility. Additionally, 40 airport employees were available if the situation warranted.
Since then, the Monroe County Airport has seen substantial growth and become known as the Greater Rochester International Airport. In that same time, the Airport Fire Dept. has also grown. Currently, there are 22 paid positions within the Dept., including 16 firefighters, five Captains, and a non-union Chief. There are four groups that consist of four firefighters, and one Captain each. The Chief and Training/Inspection Captain work a day shift Monday through Friday, while the four groups work a rotating schedule of 4 days on, 4 days off.
The Airport Fire Department first became a union in 1966. The original nine members received a Certificate of Affiliation from the IAFF on June 17, and were known as the Monroe County Airport Firefighters' Association, Local #1636. Today, the union has 21 active members.
