Employee Stories

The Kona International Airport National Deployment Force Team from left, HNL Supervisory TSA Officers Gina Ramos and Dune Estrella, HNL Officer Lory Eneria, Hilo International Airport Lead Officer Tia Hannah. Not pictured, Kahului Airport Officer Angelina Fiorentino.

With their backs to the Lahaina fire in Hawaii, TSA National Deployment Force supports in a crisis

November 17, 2023

In a state of emergency, as the Lahaina wildfires consumed life and property, TSA employees from the National Deployment Force (NDF) arrived at Kahului Airport (OGG) on the island of Maui to help screen desperate passengers fleeing the island and…

Miami-Dade Bomb Squad officers review X-ray images of a suspicious bag during a training exercise. (Photo courtesy of TSA MIA)

Keeping bombs off planes – TSA teams with Miami-Dade Bomb Squad in IED exercise

November 15, 2023

Nearly 22 years ago, TSA was born to keep bombs,  guns and other dangerous items off planes, and over the last two decades, the agency has developed close partnerships with local and state police to do just that.

One relationship…

TSI Thomas Pitts takes notes during a station profile at the Potomac Yard-Virginia Tech Metrorail station in Alexandria, Virginia. (TSA photo)

Security gaps? TSA inspectors safeguard surface transportation

November 6, 2023

It was around 4 a.m. when TSA Surface Inspector (TSI) Thomas Pitts, dressed casually in street clothes, rang the bell at a mass transit bus facility and said he was the new mechanic who just wanted to get to work early…

This drone was on display at a child safety fair in Enfield, Connecticut. (Photo by Steve Blindbury)

Ho, ho, ho! Drones and kids – What a combination!

November 3, 2023

What once was mainly used by the military is now a recreational sport for many people, and with the early start of the holiday shopping season, they’re starting to fly off store shelves.

Today 8% of Americans own drones, according to…

Sign KAA photo

Kudos Across America – Bemidji, Minnesota

November 1, 2023

I would like to commend your agent (TSA Officer) Drager Delapp from the Bemidji (Regional) Airport. He was not only professional but also courteous.

A TSA officer pays his respects to Los Angeles International Airport TSA Officer Gerardo Hernandez who lost his life in the line of duty on November 1, 2013. (TSA LAX photo)

Ten years later - memories of fallen TSA officer still vivid

November 1, 2023

TSA lost its first officer in the line of duty 10 years ago today, and the memories of that tragic day are still vivid in the minds of the people who worked with him to protect the traveling public as well as employees across the agency.

The side X-ray image of the skull showing a mass in the cranium. (Photo courtesy of TSA SLC)

Hair-raising head case in Utah suitcase

October 31, 2023

When Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) TSA Officer Justin Buttars looked at the image on the screen in the checked baggage resolution area (CBRA), staring back at him was a suspicious and downright creepy item…

TSA officers team with Secret Service to provide security screening for the 78th United Nations General Assembly. (TSA photo)

Hand-in-hand – TSA, Secret Service partner to secure New York during UN General Assembly

October 30, 2023

An event of global significance, 150 delegations with the support of 73 federal and local agencies converged on New York City for the 78th United Nations General Assembly, and TSA was in the thick of the action.

EAT STSO Alan Holiman (Photo by Roselia Ortiz)

Who do you call? Supervisory TSA officer to save the day when passenger falls ill

October 26, 2023

When a passenger suddenly became ill in the boarding area of Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in Wenatchee, Washington, an airline gate agent knew exactly who to call for help – Supervisory TSA Officer Alan Holiman.…

Special Agent Taj Mathew conducted a polygraph demonstration. (Photo courtesy of SCPA)

On the clock –TSA polygraph examiner

October 25, 2023

After being accused of theft by a passenger while screening on checkpoint, a TSA officer (TSO) voluntarily submitted to a polygraph test to help clear his name.

That’s when the very stressed Officer first met TSA Special Agent and…

TSA Administrator David Pekoske joins CISA Director Jen Easterly during a fireside chat moderated by Cybersecurity Reporter Sean Lyngass at DEF CON 31.

#BeCyberSmart, protect yourself! TSA cyber ready

October 23, 2023

The traveling public knows TSA best for our agency’s mission to protect the nation’s transportation systems, but TSA plays a key role in battling cybersecurity threats and has some tips for all of us to protect…

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport LTSO Donna Rice (center) and her TSA brothers and sisters in pink continue to support one another through thick and thin. (Photo courtesy of Donna Rice)

Tickled pink update - Chattanooga TSA breast cancer survivor thriving

October 18, 2023

In June, we introduced you to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) Lead TSA Officer Donna Rice and her TSA brothers and sisters in pink.

Rice was diagnosed in January 2022 with triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma. At the time of…

U.S. Air Force Spark Cell participants joined TSA’s Lift Summit for a day of collaboration and learning. (Photo courtesy of Lift)

Big ideas showcased at TSA Lift Innovation Summit

October 18, 2023

Last month, TSA hosted its second annual Lift Innovation Summit. The event provided training and resources to Lift Cell Innovation Officers and showcased the unique innovations coming out of the agency’s newest solution sourcing program.

Deputy Administrator Holly Canevari at the TSA Surface Transportation Security Readiness Facility (STSRF) in Pueblo, Colorado. (Photo by Holly Canevari)

New TSA deputy administrator advances mission by building impactful partnerships

October 16, 2023

Holly Canevari began her tenure as TSA’s Deputy Administrator (DADM) with the wind at her back, having a push of confidence from her well-known strong collaborative reputation she upholds from her…

Denver Police Department Officer Arlen Anderson, Pat Mracek from the Veterans Memorial Flight, Inc. and Denver International Airport TSA Security Inspector Carlos Feigelmuller. (Photo courtesy of TSA DEN)

Kudos Across America – Denver

October 12, 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Recently, Denver International Airport received the following thank you from a grateful passenger for their help in accompanying the Western Nebraska Veterans Honor Flight group through the…

2023 TSA National Softball Tournament champion Miami (MIA) Power

TSA teams battle, unite at national softball tournament

October 11, 2023

The Major League Baseball playoffs are in full swing, but eight eastern TSA teams swung for the fences and bragging rights in their own competition – the 2023 National TSA Softball Tournament.

The Miami Power, made up of TSA employees…

(TSA stock image)

Kudos Across America – Portland, Oregon

October 4, 2023

I know you get a lot of complaints (I see the signs warning people about not harassing agents). 

Today's experience warrants some huge praise. My stepdaughter is autistic and gets overwhelmed easily. Between the crowds and the lack…

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport TSA Manager Clinton Shrum (Photo by Matthew Schnebelt)

TSA manager saves man from possible suicide at DTW

October 2, 2023

A TSA manager happened to be in the right place at the right time after having a gut feeling something was wrong as he drove to work at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

Around 3:45 a.m., Clinton…

A view inside Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). (DTW Facebook photo)

J.D. Power ranks Detroit, Tampa, Indy No. 1 for airport satisfaction

October 2, 2023

Despite record-high traveler volumes and countless flight delays and cancellations, a study by J.D. Power shows overall passenger satisfaction improved this year with Detroit, Tampa and Indianapolis leading the way.…

From left, Academy East staff members Justin Philipbar, Jimmy Johnson, Scott Register, Elliott Rudolph, Training and Development (T&D) Assistant Administrator Kim Hutchinson, Virginia Polson, Enterprise Support Executive Assistant Administrator Julie Scanlon, Randy Glenn, Gerald Poole, Charles Gaetan III, Mary Bernardoni.  (Photo courtesy of TSA T&D)

TSA Academy celebrates milestone 100,000th graduate

September 28, 2023

If you’re a visual person needing a picture to help understand the magnitude of the recently celebrated 100,000th TSA Academy graduate, picture all of them shoulder to shoulder in the stands at Bryant-Denny Stadium on the campus of the University…