Newhouse Legislation Honors Longtime Yakima Airport Employee

Press Release
For Immediate Release: May 7, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced legislation to name the Yakima Control Tower after Roy A. Rutherford, a decades-long employee at the Yakima Airport.

"Roy Rutherford had a career spanning over four decades in the Yakima Airport control tower," said Rep. Newhouse. "A Navy veteran, Roy began and ended his career at Yakima Air-Terminal-McAllister Field, ensuring the safety of the hundreds of thousands of pilots and passengers who took off and landed at Yakima. This legislation will recognize Roy's tenure at YKM by renaming the air traffic control tower in his honor. I thank Roy for his years of service to the Yakima community and wish him the best in his retirement."

Robert Davis, Air Traffic Manager at Yakima Air Terminal said, "Roy has served as an air traffic controller in the Yakima Control Tower since August 31, 1981. For more than four decades, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence. His dedication to the facility and his colleagues is second to none. Nobody deserves this honor more than Roy, and we wholeheartedly support his recognition."

Dave Ritchey, Serco Director of Aviation said, "Roy's unwavering dedication to the YKM control tower, spanning over 44 years, is nothing short of remarkable. Beginning his air traffic control journey at YKM in 1981 with the FAA and later with Serco in 1997, Roy has consistently demonstrated professionalism, commitment, and passion for air traffic control and the Yakima community. Naming the tower the 'Roy A. Rutherford Air Traffic Control Tower' is a fitting tribute to someone whose legacy has shaped the safety and operations of YKM for decades. This recognition reflects not only Roy's exceptional service but also the deep respect and admiration held by all who have worked alongside Roy."

Ron Pierce, Serco Air Traffic Controller said, "I have known Roy for 20 plus years, he is one of the finest people you could every meet. Hope this gets the real consideration it deserves, he is more than deserving."

Full bill text can be found here(link is external).

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