FDNY Operations Reference for Active Shooter Incidents at JFK and LGA (LGA) (A.U.C. 325, Addendum 5)

Document Classification and Identification: This document is identified as Reference Document 1, A.U.C. 325, Addendum 5, dated March 28, 2024. It focuses specifically on Fire Department Operations during Incidents Involving Aggressive Deadly Behavior at JFK or LGA (AOA or Non-AOA).
Applicability of Procedures: * The procedures outlined apply to both the Airport Operations Area (AOA) and Non-Airport Operations Areas (Non-AOA). * FDNY operations must be in strict compliance with all procedures listed in "Emergency Response Plan addendum 3A – Incidents Involving Aggressive Deadly Behavior."
Purpose of Additional Guidelines: These supplemental guidelines are specifically for active shooter incidents at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The necessity for these additional instructions stems from the unique complexity, physical size, and logistical challenges presented by an active shooter incident at these major airports.

Lead Agency: The Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) is designated as the lead agency during active shooter incidents at JFK and LGA.
Operational Foundation: Interagency operations are conducted according to the active shooter response plans established for both airports.
FDNY Primary Responsibilities: In the absence of an explosion, structural fire, and/or collapse, the FDNY tasks are specifically limited to: * Medical triage. * Treatment of patients. * Transport of patients.
Liaison Requirements: * Ranking FDNY (Fire/EMS) Chief Officers (Battalion Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs) are required to liaison with PAPD and NYPD supervisors. * This liaison is necessary to determine the scope and severity of the incident and to decide which FDNY resources, if any, are required. * The FDNY Incident Commander (IC) must respond or be escorted to the interagency command post to liaison directly with the Port Authority (PA) Incident Commander.

Response to Staging Areas: All FDNY Units and Chief Officers must respond to the appropriate staging areas for either airport as specified in Addendums 1 and 2.
Arrival Procedures: Upon arrival at a staging area, FDNY Units must perform the following actions: * Determine the method of access to the "warm zone," specifically whether access will be via the street-side or the ramp-side. * Stage and form into Rescue Task Forces (RTF) in conjunction with NYPD Strategic Response Group (SRG) Units.
Rescue Task Force Execution: * Every attempt must be made to leave the staging area specifically with NYPD SRG Units. * While PAPD will provide escorts, FDNY Units are instructed to "stay married" to their NYPD SRG counterparts throughout the operation.
Security and Force Protection: * If PAPD directs FDNY units to a staging area other than the primary one for security reasons, units must respond to the directed location. * Force protection is provided at all staging areas.

Initial Command Hierarchy: * The FDNY Fire Deputy Chief (DC) initially serves as the FDNY Incident Commander (IC) or the Operations Section Chief (OSC). * All other Chiefs and Officers will fill positions as described in the Emergency Response Plan (Addendum 3A and Appendix A).
Command Shift upon Arrival of Command Chief: * When the FDNY Borough/Command Chief arrives, they assume command of FDNY resources. * The Deputy Chief then transitions to the role of Operations Section Chief (OSC). * The first Battalion Chief (BC) on the scene becomes the Deputy Operations Section Chief.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Assignments: * If requested, the FDNY Borough/Command Chief should respond to the appropriate EOC (locations for which are found in Addendums 1 and 2). * Additional Staff Chiefs should also respond to the EOC as required.

Primary vs. Secondary Staging: * A secondary staging area may be established in addition to the primary staging area under specific conditions. * Criteria for secondary staging include the need for additional FDNY resources or concerns regarding the access and egress routes for ambulances. * The goal of secondary staging is to ensure ambulances can rapidly transport patients without obstruction. * The FDNY IC must confer with the Port Authority (PA) IC regarding the implementation of secondary staging.

Radio Monitoring: Responding FDNY Units must monitor PAPD radio frequencies to gather real-time situational awareness and determine the extent of the active shooter incident.
Incident Information Gathering: The first responding Fire Battalion Chief is responsible for contacting the PAPD to obtain incident information.
EMS Coordination: * The responding Fire Deputy Chief should consider contacting EMS via Citywide 1 (CW-1). * This contact is used to determine if EMS has additional information and to coordinate the overall EMS response. * Citywide 1 (CW-1) is identified as the primary channel for mass casualty incidents (Reference: Communications Chapter 14, Addendum Number 1).

Drill Participation: Active shooter drills or exercises are conducted at JFK and/or LGA upon the request of the PAPD.
FDNY Requirement: The FDNY is mandated to participate in these drills or exercises when requested by the Port Authority.