Vote for Barni as TSA’s Cutest Canine. (TSA photos)
SAN FRANCISCO - Voting is underway in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 2024 Cutest Canine contest and Bay area residents are invited to vote now for a local canine who works at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Barni is a 5-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) who works with her handler, Michelle, at SFO. Barni is one of four semi-finalists in this year’s Cutest Canine contest. You can vote for Barni now through 9 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, August 20.
All voting is being conducted via TSA’s social media platforms including its Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts. The two top vote getters will square off for an additional round of voting this week. TSA will announce its “Top Dog” on Monday, August 26, to coincide with National Dog Day.
Barni is a very special canine with a strong work ethic. He bursts with energy when working to detect any trace of explosives. He loves to be with his canine co-workers at the San Francisco International Airport, where he is all business. When he’s at home with his handler, Michelle, he’s free to be a goofball. He loves to play fetch but mainly is obsessed with keeping fit by chasing squirrels.
TSA utilizes canines like Barni in its security operations nationwide. They are trained to detect the scent of explosives or explosive materials. These highly skilled dogs are paired with handlers and utilize their keen sense of smell when working in a busy transportation environment.
Canines are a visible layer of security, and they supplement TSA’s efforts to keep travelers safe and secure. In addition to working in aviation environment, they are also trained to work in mass transit, commuter rail and maritime venues. TSA currently has more than 1,000 explosives detection canine teams deployed nationwide.
“We are excited that Barni is in the running for this year’s Cutest Canine. Once people learn more about Barni and how special he is, they will recognize that his job supporting the agency’s security operations is his focus. We are so fortunate to have Barni and his handler, Michelle, on the TSA team here in San Francisco,” said Fred Lau, TSA Federal Security Director for SFO. “Barni has a strong work ethic and a friendly demeanor as he goes about screening passengers in the terminal. I hope others will join me in voting for Barni.”
In addition to SFO’s Barni, the other semi-finalists in this year’s contest are Carlo, a Vizsla from Kansas City International Airport (MCI); Badger, a Belgian Malinois from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD); and Birdie, a Yellow Lab/Vizsla from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE).
Below are the direct links to TSA’s social media accounts where votes can be cast. Don’t delay, unleash your enthusiasm and vote for Barni today!
- On Instagram: www.instagram.com/tsa
- On Twitter: www.twitter.com/tsa
- On Facebook: www.facebook.com/tsa