Published: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009

Updated: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009

SRQ to look for new firefighters

MANATEE — Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport’s experiment with a privately run fire-rescue department appears to be over.

The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority decided Monday to approach three local fire-rescue agencies about taking over SRQ’s department. Airport officials don’t intend to renew Rural/Metro Corp.’s contract to operate the department when it expires Sept. 30.

“It’s the proper thing for us to do,” authority member Bob Waechter said.

SRQ officials said they’re pleased with the service the company, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., has given since it took over the airport’s fire-rescue department in October 2006.

But board members said Rural/Metro’s unwillingness to provide payroll and other financial information at the airport’s request indicates the company has lost interest in the contract, thus prompting the authority to change direction.

“We haven’t heard from them in months,” said Eric Robinson, the authority’s chairman. “That’s been the issue. That’s the issue that started this whole thing.”

A Rural/Metro official declined comment but said “we remain committed to the safety of the airport facilities and passengers and will continue to serve the contract.”

SRQ will ask Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, Sarasota County Fire Rescue and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue about their interest in serving the airport. One already said it is.

“We would be interested in further dialogue,” said Cedar Hammock Chief Randy Stulce, who was at the board’s meeting.

Airport officials said whomever takes over the department will be required to offer jobs to firefighters now based at SRQ. That pleased the president of a local union that fought Rural/Metro’s hiring more than two years ago.

“They’ve given some pretty good indications that public-service employees and districts will do a better job and provide better service,” said Mike Stephenson, president of Suncoast Professional Firefighters & Paramedics Local 2546.

Also Monday, the board learned that 1,503.166 people flew through SRQ in 2008. That’s a 3.5-percent drop from the previous year’s 1,557,212 passengers, said Frederick Piccolo, SRQ’s president and chief executive.

While it breaks a four-year streak of growth, it’s better than what nearby airports have seen, he said.

Tampa International Airport’s 2008 traffic was down 4.6 percent from 2007, while it dropped 5.5 percent at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.

Duane Marsteller, transportation/growth and development reporter, can be reached at 745-7080, ext. 2630.