Savannah Hilton Head International Airport LTSO Sergio Carino at the Known Crewmember podium. (TSA Georgia photo)
It was 5:50 a.m., an unusual time, and an even more uncommon location, to encounter an intoxicated person, so it wasn’t something Savannah Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) Lead TSA Officer Sergio Carino was necessarily looking for as he validated the credentials of a pilot at the Known Crewmember® (KCM) station, a separate entrance for airline personnel.
But the behavior detection-certified officer noticed a few irregularities while engaging with the pilot and had a bad gut feeling.
“My first observation was him seemingly going out of his way to avoid speaking,” said Carino. “The second, and most obvious, was the strong smell of what I assumed to be alcohol permeating from him. Our supervisors at SAV are very helpful and easy to communicate with when we have any sort of concern. I had complete confidence that the supervisor would take my concern seriously. I asked the remaining people in the KCM line to please hold for a moment.”
Once Carino shared his concerns, the supervisor told the manager who in turn called the Savannah Airport Police. Responding at the gate, police removed the pilot from the flight after completing a field sobriety test. According to reports, the 52-year-old pilot was later arrested on DUI charges.
“TSA maintains close relationships with our local law enforcement partners precisely for these types of situations,” said TSA Spokesperson Mark Howell.
“At first, I felt bad that I was the reason for someone being arrested, but then I immediately thought about the reason,” said Carino. “Our job is to protect the traveling public no matter what the threat is. The fact that this pilot would even consider flying an aircraft while intoxicated is not only a danger to himself, but it showed that he had no concern for the 53 passengers or the six crew members on board. I was proud of my actions, and it solidified in my mind that what we do matters!”
Carino has a message for all his colleagues in blue.
“Stay vigilant,” implored Carino. “For those of us who are behavior detection-certified, remember your training. For those of us who aren't, go with your gut feeling. It’s better to say something and be wrong about it than to not say anything and something unimaginable happens.”
“LTSO Carino’s exceptional situational awareness and steadfast sense of duty were instrumental in preventing a potentially dangerous situation while working the KCM system that day,” said Georgia Federal Security Director Robert Spinden. “By promptly reporting his observations, Lead Officer Carino displayed exceptional judgment, leading to the timely escalation of the issue and ensuring the safety of everyone on that flight.
By Karen Robicheaux, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs.