TSA Officers provide security for the Daytona 500. (George Dechon photo)
TSA had a strong presence at the Daytona 500, providing security for NASCAR’s biggest race of the season, just one week after supporting security at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
More than 100 TSA screening officers and Inspectors from around the country were deployed to Daytona International Airport (DAB) and Daytona International Speedway, while TSA’s Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS) Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams were stationed around speedway entrances and high transit areas to provide security.
Similar to the Super Bowl, security was tight with President Trump in attendance. TSA partnered with the U.S. Secret Service and several state and local agencies, including law enforcement for enhanced security measures at the massive event, which attracted more than 150,000 fans.
National Deployment Force
TSA deployed officers to multiple spectator screening checkpoints to secure the speedway.
“From roaring engines and crowds to the afterburners of jets thundering overhead, there are a lot of distractions, so officer focus was imperative,” said George Dechon, area coordinator for TSA’s National Deployment Office. “Our mission really doesn’t change, but the presence of a sitting president at an event can draw larger crowds – even threats – magnifying both the potential for distraction and the critical need to focus.”
Dechon said events like the Daytona 500 demand a great deal of flexibility, commitment, and collaboration beyond the normal scope of operations for airport-based activities, but TSA was well prepared for the challenge.
“The National Deployment Force’s (NDF) long-standing experience working with and supporting the Secret Service through, for example, the presidential campaign season and elsewhere lends well to this type of event,” said Dechon. “Marshaling resources from across the country on short notice to affect security screening activities in new and sometimes unique locations like the Daytona International Speedway underscores the importance of an agile security agency that engages to outmatch dynamic threats.”
Supervisory Officer Amarilys Rubio-Martinez of Orlando International Airport deployed to both the Super Bowl and Daytona 500.
“These experiences are amazing to me,” Rubio-Martinez said. “Being a part of the NDF is an honor and a great responsibility. Every deployment is a chance to make a real impact. It’s a unique opportunity to support other agencies, strengthen partnerships, protect our nation’s security and even the president.”
LE/FAMS VIPR operations
The LE/FAMS Orlando Field Office provided highly visible law enforcement and counterterrorism support at transportation venues around the city. VIPR teams monitored commercial aviation and mass transit sites that experienced surges in passenger volume.
They worked in conjunction with the Jacksonville U.S. Secret Service Field Office, the Daytona Beach Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Flagler County SWAT team, among others.
Security planning for the race started months ago, but TSA only received a week’s notice the president was planning to attend. The Orlando LE/FAMS Field Office management team met with the Secret Service to coordinate security.
The Orlando LE/FAMS VIPR team supported two security checkpoints as a visible law enforcement presence, assisting local police efforts.
“The Federal Air Marshal Service VIPR team showcased TSA's full capabilities, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and operational excellence,” said an Orlando Federal Air Marshal assigned to VIPR operations. “The camaraderie fostered with partnering agencies not only strengthened immediate collaboration but also laid the foundation for enduring relationships dedicated to safeguarding the United States for years to come. Participating in this event was both a rewarding and invaluable experience.”
Another Orlando Federal Air Marshal said working the event was truly exciting.
“It was an honor to be able to offer our services and support to our president as well as the public in this amazing venue,” he said. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to provide security and assistance to the president, the Secret Service, and all the other law enforcement agencies that were present. It is an incredible privilege to contribute our service to our country and our citizens for an event of this magnitude.”
LE/FAMS Orlando supervisory personnel also staffed the Secret Service security room and the command post that monitored unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, in the area. Orlando Federal Air Marshals partnered with detectives from the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Aviation Safety Unit to detect, track, and respond to UAS.
Federal Air Marshals worked with federal and local law enforcement to coordinate response to all unauthorized drone operations in the flight restricted area around the Daytona 500.
“The feedback from the Counter-UAS team was that the event was phenomenal and even more grandiose in person,” said Supervisory Federal Air Marshal Javier Colon of the Orlando Field Office. “Relative to the amount of people there, the crowd control and safety was as optimal as we can ask for. All our partners embraced our presence. Our teams were even able to directly assist TSA officers in the checkpoint areas. They were appreciative of our support, and it gave them a sense of ease knowing LE/FAMS had their back.”
Daytona International Airport
DAB screened 3,230 travelers the day after the race. On a normal busy day, up to 1,000 passengers go through DAB checkpoints. TSA officers’ hard work and dedication ensured security for the large crowds while making sure their trips went as smoothly as possible.
North Florida TSA Federal Security Director Brian Cahill said this year’s Daytona 500 was an example of the important work TSA performs daily to accomplish the mission.
“The collaboration and cooperation among TSA, LE/FAMS, the U.S. Secret Service, local law enforcement and numerous other stakeholders in support of the Great American Race was nothing short of exceptional and extraordinary,” Cahill said.
“Add to this the planning, logistics, and outreach involved to successfully screen three times the normal number of daily air travelers departing Daytona International Airport on Monday, I could not possibly be prouder of the entire effort. As I frequently say, ‘It’s great working for the world’s finest transportation security organization!’”
By Mike Frandsen, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs