Aircraft chases on and off Chicago Executive Airport (formerly Palwaukee) are not uncommon. In an actual emergency both PHFD and WFD firefighters respond to any airport incident and work together. This arrangement has proven effective for more than a decade. To remain prepared for such events the Prospect Heights Fire District and Wheeling Fire Department conduct regular joint training exercises. On May 12, 13, and 14 PHFD and WFD firefighters practices coordination and communication with the air traffic control tower, navigated around the airport’s taxiways and runways, applied foam to a simulated fire, and refilled each truck with new foam. Activities were based at the East Staging area which is home to the newest airport tenant, Hawthorne Global Aviation Services. The PHFD would like to thank Hawthorne and Chicago Executive Airport management for their accommodation in this event.
