Lavene named to head airport fire department

Charles R. Lavene (l) attended the ceremony in April at which his son, Charles M., was named chief of the Fire Department at Norfolk International Airport in Virginia.

Eatontown native Charles M. Lavene has been named chief of the fire department at Norfolk (Va.) International Airport.

A graduate of Monmouth Regional High School, he is the son of Charles R. and the late Paula Lavene.

Lavene joined the Eatontown Volunteer Fire Department in April 1979, where his father is a 58-year member. Together, the elder Lavene and sons Charles M. and James have a total of 100 years of service to the Eatontown Engine Hose and Truck Company on Broad Street.

Lavene enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a fire prevention specialist in 1986. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1991, he joined the fire department at Norfolk International Airport, a midsize airport with 200 departures and arrivals per day. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1992 and was named chief in April.

Lavene heads a department of 21 firefighters whose major job is dealing with crashes.

"Our focus is different than city firefighters," Lavene said. "They respond to structural emergencies. Our emphasis is on aircraft rescue. Our priority is to keep the runway open. We respond to structural emergencies at the airport and emergency medical calls."

In addition, 75 percent of the department's calls are mutual aid with the city of Norfolk.

Since taking command in April, Lavene said his department has not had to deal with any emergencies involving commercial airliners. However, he said a large number of privately owned, general aviation aircraft fly out of the airport. In July, the department responded to a crash involving a small aircraft that resulted in two fatalities, he said.

According to Lavene, his focus is on making certain the company is ready for emergencies.

"My major function as chief is to ensure the firefighters have the tools and equipment they need to do the job safely and efficiently," he said, "and to keep updated on changes in regulations. They [FAA regulations] change almost overnight."