Employee Stories

SRQ's membrane roof peeled away under Milton's relentless winds. (SRQ photo)

Partnership and recovery: Sarasota airport opens just six days after Milton flood

November 21, 2024

When it was finally safe for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) TSA Managers Robert Smith and Walter Fedorchenko to venture back into the facility after Hurricane Milton, they found that while the well-executed plans to secure the…

Benjamin with DFW TSM John Passarella and TSO Josiah Lee.

Texas boy, TSA manager develop long-lasting connection through 9/11

November 19, 2024

Editor’s Note: Today is TSA’s 23rd birthday. Two months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, our agency was established on November 19, 2001, to take on the significant challenge of protecting our nation’s transportation systems from the threat…

(Image courtesy of Illinois Media Team)

Kudos Across America – Chicago

November 18, 2024

I was on my way that night to Montreal for a work assignment when I emptied my pockets and found the only set of keys to my wife's car. I had run an errand prior to getting picked up by Uber for the drive to O’Hare (Chicago O’Hare International…

Destruction in Asheville, North Carolina. (TSA photo)

Devastation lingers as TSA rallies around Hurricane Helene victims

November 15, 2024

It’s been nearly two months since the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland in the last 19 years caused widespread devastation, and many people along the East Coast are still feeling the huge sting, including many TSA families.

In…

Ma ‘Kiah Cherae Coleman (upper right), reaching for her property, climbs on top of a PHX stainless steel search table. (PHX CCTV)

Arizona woman sentenced for assaulting TSA officer at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

November 14, 2024

On April 25, 2023, a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) TSA officer was carrying passenger Ma ‘Kiah Cherae Coleman’s property to an inspection table for an additional search when Coleman became unruly.

“After being told that it…

Mural painting at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (Photo by Todd Hokanson)

TSA officer’s situational awareness, response saves motorcyclist’s life

November 13, 2024

During his pre-dawn commute to work at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport outside Amarillo, Texas, TSA Officer Wyatt Savage came upon what appeared to be a large trash bag in the middle of I-40. 

Miami International Airport TSA Officer Chenyah Hepburn (Photo courtesy of MIA media team)

Kudos Across America - Miami

November 6, 2024

Miami International Airport TSA Officer Chenyah Hepburn provided exceptional customer service by demonstrating professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy throughout the security screening process. Her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring…

Outside look at the Pueblo Memorial Airport terminal. (Greg Pedroza photo)

TSA Pueblo prepares ‘trip of a lifetime’ for adults with disabilities

November 4, 2024

The dreams of flying for the first time came true for eight adults after overcoming a big obstacle that stood in their way – the TSA checkpoint.

For these adults, their specific disabilities presented additional challenges. They are part of…

Halloween bin aesthetics   (Bin photo by Jim Sample)

Knives Out: Sharp, Cleaver Trick or Treat Advisements Officers Might Give to Spooky Passengers

October 31, 2024

On this All-Hallows’ Eve, we’ve conjured up some make-believe passengers and the would-be questions Officers would ask if these spooky travelers were passing through the checkpoint. 

The scariest part? The featured…

Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport STSO Maciej Gebala (Photo by  Neumann Mariana)

Kudos Across America – Dallas

October 23, 2024

My son and I were traveling to Columbus for the National Shooting tournament last weekend and the manager (Dallas Fort Worth International Airport STSO Maciej) Gebala basically saved my trip. 

Advanced Air Mobility aircraft on display at the ICAO AAM Symposium in Montreal. (TSA photo)

Embracing the future of aviation: TSA’s role in Advanced Air Mobility

October 22, 2024

The next frontier of aviation is taking an exciting new direction, and TSA is in the middle of the action.

It involves large helicopter-type drones and is an amazing development in the future of flying and transportation security.

Screening kit dispenser from design (inset) to prototype. (Jonathan Zlocki photo)

Tri-agency collaboration printing outside the lines

October 21, 2024

Louisiana Lead Explosives Specialist and Innovation Officer Mike Nelson’s invention puts new field explosive screening kits at the tips of officers’ fingers. The unassuming holder neatly organizes and conveniently dispenses supply kits used in…

The new canine team of Katie Antonovich and partner Niki in action at DCA. (Justin Andrise photo)

Behind-the-Scenes: TSA puppy camp to DC

October 17, 2024

A new canine team is on the job at one of the nation’s largest airports, and we’re giving you a sneak peek, behind-the-scenes glimpse of their months-long journey.

Over 1,000 TSA canines are on the job protecting travelers across the U.S.,…

Tampa International Airport TSA Officer Justin Causby (Photo by Tonia Wolfson)

TSA Officer’s critical thinking, ID technology aid in arrest of wanted suspect

October 16, 2024

One evening at Tampa International Airport, a female passenger handed a Florida driver's license to Transportation Security Officer Justin Causby who was at the travel document checker station. The woman was very quiet during her screening and…

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA) TSA Officer Veda Covington.   (Photo by Erica Vinegar),

Kudos Across America - Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

October 16, 2024

Early in July, I took my siblings to the airport to catch their flight to San Diego at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA). They live 45 minutes away and I got a gate pass to make sure they got off OK. 

Hector International Airport TSA Officer Keri Miller. (Photo by Jason Sax)

Kudos Across the Badlands – North Dakota

October 7, 2024

IHector International Airport (FAR) 

had to receive a pat down because the zipper on my shorts dinged the machine and the woman (TSA Officer Keri Miller) who came to pat me down asked if I had any sort of touch…

Canine handlers April Dwight and Kelsey King practice applying splints to a dog’s broken leg. (TSA TPA photo)

First-aid training in Florida focuses on frontline furry friends

October 4, 2024

All too often we hear about medical emergencies involving passengers or even TSA employees at our nation’s airports. At Florida’s Tampa International Airport (TPA), TSA is putting a special emphasis on the potential of…

Sandra and Manny Melendez (Manny Melendez photo)

¡Què padre! or ¡Qué chévere! Either way, the Melendezes are cool.

October 3, 2024

If they moonlighted as a stand-up comedy team, Sandra Melendez would be the straight man to her fast-talking husband’s wry one-liners. They could easily win open mic night when riffing on their Hispanic fusion and cultural one-upmanship fed by…

Passengers run out of train; NFTA police run in. (Luke Murphy photo)

Phew! Active shooter scene on Buffalo commuter train just a test

October 2, 2024

A gunman opens fire on a crowded commuter train in Buffalo.

Fortunately, it was just an exercise to test and evaluate how local police officers respond to an active shooter situation on a mass transit passenger…