CHICAGO – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske traveled to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to host a town hall meeting with agency employees today and meet with the local workforce.
“Please continue to do everything that you can to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 both on and off duty, as you are a critical link to protecting fellow employees and airline passengers,” Pekoske said. “I am thankful to each of you as the number of active COVID-19 infections in our frontline workforce has steadily decreased in recent weeks thanks in large part to our safety efforts as well as your dedication and vigilance.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic in March, Pekoske has held regular town hall meetings with the workforce via live-web stream from the agency’s headquarters and from numerous large airports. The Chicago visit represents the third airport from which he has hosted a virtual town hall to answer questions directly from TSA employees nationwide. Pekoske also toured the airport to see TSA’s checkpoint modifications as part of an overarching effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. Pekoske began the event by stressing the importance of self-care and resilience on and off duty. He assured employees the agency continues to anticipate it has a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment available to them, including gloves, face masks and shields. ORD has recently deployed new CAT technology to improve efficiency and security effectiveness. For a video demonstrating new checkpoint measures as part of the agency’s Stay Healthy Stay Secure campaign, click here.
During the airport visit, Pekoske also toured security checkpoints and baggage screening areas with local Federal Security Director Dereck Starks. Together, they recognized several employees for their service and dedication to the TSA mission.