Canine handler Massiel Brimo with canine Salem
Richmond International Airport (RIC)-based canine handler Massiel Brimo's journey in the canine program has been anything but easy.
In January 2024, Brimo and her canine partner Salem, a 2-year-old black Labrador Retriever, participated in a 16-week training program at the Canine Training Center (CTC) in San Antonio, Texas, where they were first teamed together. CTC instructors pair each student with a canine partner, carefully considering factors such as the handler's personality, skill set and home environment.
After graduating from the CTC as Top Dog in May 2024, Salem suffered a cranial cruciate ligament injury delaying their first mission.
Following Salem's recovery, the pair were sent to complete a 10-day training program in July 2024. Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist and Canine Supervisor Kristopher Fry reflected on Brimo’s performance during the training.
“She did great and passed within just the first three days,” Fry said. “About 95 percent of participants don't pass, so I was really impressed.”
Unfortunately, on the fourth day of training, Brimo suffered an accident that left her with a broken ankle and three breaks on her right leg.
“Since I couldn’t take care of Salem with a broken leg and ankle, he had to go back to the CTC,” Brimo said.
After seven months of recovery, which included several surgeries and physical therapy, Brimo and Salem are back together working at RIC.
“Massiel and her canine partner, Salem, have defied the odds and achieved remarkable success,” Fry recalled following their return.
“The broken ankle and leg took away my independence, but the return of Salem renewed my motivation, and I’m ecstatic to be going back to work,” said Brimo. “I’m grateful to have been able to reintegrate him into the work we both enjoy, especially in the dynamic environment of the airport.”
After returning home to RIC, Brimo and Salem continued working and living together, and their connection deepened naturally over time. Their journey is marked by resilience and determination and shows the powerful bond between handler and canine.
Brimo joined TSA in 2018 and served as a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer at Norfolk International Airport, a spoke of RIC, before transferring to RIC.
By Lisa Farbstein and Hailie Hummer, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs