06/30/2026
Millington-Memphis Airport Fire Department Approved to Deliver ARFF Live Fire Training, Creating New Regional Aviation Emergency Response Training Center
MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE – The Millington-Memphis Airport Fire Department is proud to announce that its Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Live Fire Training Program has been approved by the Tennessee State Fire Commission. This designation establishes the department as an approved site for ARFF live-fire instruction and aviation emergency response training.
The approval marks a major milestone not only for the Millington-Memphis Airport Fire Department but also for firefighters, airports, and emergency response agencies across Tennessee and the Mid-South. The program will provide realistic, hands-on training in controlled live-fire environments, preparing emergency responders to manage the unique challenges associated with aircraft incidents and aviation emergencies.
The Millington-Memphis Airport ARFF Training Center will serve municipal, county, industrial, military, and airport fire departments by offering high-quality training opportunities that improve operational readiness, strengthen interagency partnerships, and enhance regional emergency preparedness.
"This approval is a tremendous accomplishment for our department and our airport community," said Fire Chief Michael Naifeh. "For many years, Tennessee has had a significant need for additional aviation firefighting training opportunities. This program fills an important gap by giving firefighters throughout our state and the Mid-South access to realistic, hands-on ARFF training close to home. Every firefighter who trains here will be better prepared to respond when lives are on the line."
Chief Naifeh also expressed his appreciation to those whose support made the project possible.
"I want to sincerely thank Executive Director Mike Gill and the Millington-Memphis Airport Authority Board of Directors for their vision, leadership, and unwavering support of this project. They recognized the need and invested in creating something that will benefit firefighters and emergency responders for years to come. This training center is not just an investment in our department—it's an investment in public safety across Tennessee and the Mid-South."
The training center's vision extends well beyond live-fire instruction. Future course offerings are expected to include:
• ARFF 40-Hour Certification Programs
• ARFF Driver/Operator Courses
• FAA Part 139 Initial and Recurrent Training
• Airport Emergency Plan Workshops
• Aircraft Incident Command and Unified Command Courses
• Mutual Aid Airport Response Training
• Tabletop and Functional Exercises
• Specialized Aircraft Emergency Response Scenarios
• Leadership and Instructor Development Programs
By expanding its training programs, the Millington-Memphis Airport Fire Department intends to develop the facility into a premier regional aviation emergency response training center serving Tennessee and neighboring states.
Course schedules, registration information, and training calendars will be announced in the coming weeks.
Fire Chief Michael Naifeh
Millington-Memphis Airport Fire Department
8182 Hornet Avenue
Millington, Tennessee 38053
[email protected]
About the Millington-Memphis Airport Fire Department
The Millington-Memphis Airport Fire Department provides aircraft rescue and firefighting services, fire protection, emergency response, and emergency preparedness for the Millington-Memphis Airport and its aviation partners. Through its ARFF Training Center, the department is committed to advancing firefighter education, strengthening aviation emergency response capabilities, and enhancing regional preparedness throughout Tennessee and the Mid-South.
