Left to Right: Zach Effertz, Matt Peck, Rod Danielson
While most of us are settling in for turkey, a dedicated crew at Rochester International Airport is busy keeping flights moving safely and smoothly. From clearing snow and inspecting runways to responding to emergencies, these professionals ensure RST operates 24/7 — even on Thanksgiving Day.
This year, three members of our operations team — Zach Effertz, Rod Danielson, and Matt Peck — will trade mashed potatoes for maintenance, and football games for flat tires. Here’s a look at what their work (and gratitude) looks like on one of America’s favorite holidays.
Zach Effertz – Operations Specialist/Firefighter
Eight months into his role at RST, Zach Effertz is still the “new guy” — but one with plenty of holiday experience. Before joining RST, he worked in Williston, ND, and Corpus Christi, TX, often spending major holidays on duty.
At RST, Effertz helps keep the FAA and TSA happy — managing compliance, logging runway inspections, and ensuring airfield safety. On Thanksgiving, the pace slows a bit, but the responsibility remains high. “It’s usually quieter, but we’re still here for anything from a flat tire on the runway to a baggage belt repair,” he said. Most importantly, he said, he’s there for emergencies that would require air rescue firefighting.
As for what he’s thankful for? “A loving family and a job I’m proud to go to.”
Rod Danielson – Operations Lead/Firefighter
When you ask Rod Danielson what he’ll be doing on Thanksgiving morning, the answer is simple: working — and happy to do it. Danielson, who has been with RST for nearly four years, said he uses holidays to perform duties that he doesn’t have time for on busier days. “I always find something to do,” he said. “I like to clean all the vehicles, clean the floors, tidy the shop, whatever needs doing.”
Danielson volunteered for both Thanksgiving and Christmas shifts this year so others could enjoy time off. His wife – a great cook – may pop in for a visit and bring a meal.
This Thanksgiving, he’s most thankful for “good health and a job I enjoy.”
Matt Peck – Operations Lead/Firefighter
For Matt Peck, Thanksgiving starts before sunrise. As an Operations Lead/Firefighter, he clocks in at 11 p.m. Wednesday night and finishes at 7 a.m. Thursday. “It’s usually quiet unless it snows,” he said. “We do field checks, inspect runway lights, and handle calls from the tower or airlines.”
Peck, who has worked at RST for 5 years, likes to volunteer for holiday shifts so he can save vacation time for family trips. A volunteer firefighter in Kasson, he’s used to long hours and unpredictable days. “The best part of RST is the variety — snow removal, pavement repairs, fire calls, HVAC — it’s never the same two days in a row.”
Peck often volunteers for overnight holiday shifts and says his four kids (ages 7 to 19) and wife are used to it. “By the time they wake up, I’m usually home,” he said. “I’m most thankful for my family.”
Gratitude in Every Shift
From all of us at RST, we’re grateful for the dedicated team members who keep operations running safely and smoothly year-round, especially those who spend the holidays serving travelers instead of sitting around the dinner table. Their commitment keeps our airport, and our community, moving forward every day of the year.
