Statement on the passing of Minneapolis-based senior federal air marshal after contracting COVID-19

Thursday, September 24, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS – It is with deep sorrow that the Transportation Security Administration announces the passing of another member of the TSA family. Senior Federal Air Marshal Kenneth Meisel, with the Minneapolis Field Office, passed away September 24 after contracting COVID-19.

Kenneth joined the Federal Air Marshal Service in August of 2002, deploying on missions from the Dallas Field Office until he transferred to the Minneapolis Field Office in 2009. Throughout his career, Kenneth deployed on flight missions protecting air travelers throughout the world, logging nearly 5 million miles in the air. In 2005, Kenneth was part of the FAMS deployment to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. 

Kenneth was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1984 through 2005 as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He also served as an Oklahoma Certified Peace Officer from 1994 until 2002.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Kenneth’s family, friends and his TSA colleagues.

TSA remains committed and determined to work ever more closely with interagency partners to stop the spread of COVID-19.

###