TSA officers have a tough job. They are responsible for providing security and protecting travelers in a courteous and professional manner in an often stressful environment.
However, they are known for not only accomplishing the mission effectively, but going above and beyond to help passengers in distress at a moment’s notice.
That was the case at two airports 4,000 miles apart.
Supervisory TSA officers (STSOs) at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) in Alaska and Vermont’s Burlington International Airport (BTV) assisted passengers who fell off escalators, making sure they were OK.
Fairbanks International Airport
It started out as just another day at the checkpoint for Supervisory Officer Gene Kight until he heard a sound that alarmed him.
“I thought I heard a thump, and then a TSA officer called for ‘someone to the exit,’” Kight said. “I thought I detected urgency in his voice, so I responded.”
A fellow officer directed Kight to the bottom of the escalator where an elderly passenger suffered a nasty fall.
“I went back to the exit and ran down to the passenger to begin a medical assessment and the ABCs – airway, breathing, and circulation,” Kight said.
Kight began asking the passenger questions, but the man didn’t know any answers after his head slammed extremely hard on the sharp steel stairs.
“I asked him to look me in the eyes, and I noticed a large amount of blood pooling behind his head,” Kight said. “So, I asked him to help me and apply direct pressure with the jacket someone had placed under his head for comfort, which kept the bleeding to a minimum until additional help could arrive.”
Kight held the fallen traveler’s hand while assessing the situation and helped him remain calm by telling him more help was on the way. A few minutes later, airport police and fire officials responded, and Kight helped them with further triage.
Kight stayed with the passenger and responders until medics arrived and stabilized the man.
“The elderly gentleman lost his balance and fell backwards on the escalator then went to the bottom upside down,” said Assistant Federal Security Director Dawn Baptist. “He was traveling alone, so having Eugene Kight there to respond, assess his condition and stay with him until emergency responders arrived was pretty significant.”
A volunteer firefighter in North Pole, Alaska, Kight was recognized as the 2023 North Star Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. He volunteers 10 hours a week as a firefighter and teaches at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Firefighter Academy.
Baptist added that Kight coming to the traveler’s aid so quickly and being a trained firefighter could have made a lifesaving impact.
“Gene’s vast experience kicked in,” she said. “He controlled the situation and remained calm, rendering aid to the passenger who was later admitted into the hospital. We are lucky to have Gene on our team, and I’m proud of his quick reaction and actions.”
Burlington International Airport
It was a typical screening day at Burlington International Airport in Vermont until a scream came from the back of the checkpoint.
An elderly passenger fell on an escalator, and his wife screamed for help. Supervisory Officer Zacare Orsborn heard the passenger yell and ran to shut off the escalator. Once the escalator stopped, Orsborn started making his way up the escalator to assist the passenger.
While Orsborn rushed to help, STSO Akashdeep Bajwa called 911. Bajwa also ensured other officers continued to focus on their duties in the back of the checkpoint.
After helping the traveler to the top of the escalator, Orsborn sat with the man until first responders arrived. The medics took a look at the passenger and determined he did not need to seek further medical attention, allowing the passenger to continue to his flight.
Orsborn described what made him jump into action to assist the passenger on the escalator.
“I simply acted on instincts. Someone was in need of assistance, and I just did what I believe anyone would do for their own family member,” Orsborn said. “I've been with TSA almost eight years and I've seen what an escalator can do to a person if they tumble down one. I knew I needed to stop the escalator quickly so the passenger didn't further hurt themselves. I'm just happy I didn't hesitate, and I was able to prevent any serious injury while allowing the passenger to make their flight safely to go see their new grandson!”
Bajwa said keeping composed enabled him to manage the situation to the best of his ability.
“The best piece of advice I can give to officers who encounter a similar situation would be to remain calm,” Bajwa said. “Rushing in head first can result into a poor outcome. Remaining calm will allow one to assess the situation, identify the best possible outcome and execute it.”
The actions of Orsborn and Bajwa ensured TSA Burlington maintained the highest level of screening while helping a passenger in need.
“STSOs Orsborn and Bajwa exemplify TSA’s commitment to safety and security,” said Vermont Federal Security Director Charles Woyat. “Their domain awareness allowed one STSO to immediately render injury saving aid and the other to maintain the highest quality screening operation. I am proud they are members of Team Vermont.”
By Mike Frandsen, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs