The facility received the Central Region Airport Safety and Recognition Award last month.

Rodney Joel, the acting director of the FAA’s Central Region Airports Division presented the award to Rhonda Chambers, the local airport’s director of aviation, during a conference in Kansas City.

“It was a total surprise and an absolute honor to accept the award on behalf of the airport employees and commission,” Chambers said. “All I know is airports don’t run themselves and it takes many hours from all our dedicated employees working together to run ours safely.”

The award is for fiscal year 2024.

-Submitted photo
The staff of the Fort Dodge Regional Airport consists of, from left, Alex Kennebeck, operations worker; Sarah Rustvold, administrative assistant; Rhonda Chambers, director of aviation; Zack Gaul, operations worker; and Tyler Grundon, operations worker.

“Fort Dodge Regional Airport has exemplified a high level of operational safety and compliance during FY 24,” Joel said in announcing the award.

“The airport successfully and safely worked through multiple airfield projects, maintenance projects, hangar additions and the transition to new fueling safety standards, all while maintaining safe air service and the ability to to serve the community with hosting Honor Flights.”

He said even when the airport had a shortage of workers, it “always ensured safety and compliance without compromise or excuse.”

“The airport consistently provides excellent communication, timely and accurate Airport Certification Manual submissions and a willingness to constantly go above and beyond to assure a safe airport,” he added.