Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (left) presented a proclamation to TSA Acting Federal Security Director Gerardo Spero and PHL Airport CEO Chellie Cameron declaring Tuesday as TSA Appreciation Day. (TSA photo)
PHILADELPHIA — The Council of the City of Philadelphia has officially recognized November 19th as Transportation Security Administration Appreciation Day on what is the 18th anniversary of the establishment of the youngest federal agency.
Created after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, TSA was established as a result of the passage of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush on November 19, 2001.
TSA was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems to ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and the intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security.
The Council of the City of Philadelphia issued an official resolution and presented it to the TSA team at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) this morning. It pointed to how more than 44,000 TSA officers, both in the Philadelphia International Airport and across the United States, focus on screening more than 2 million airline passengers; 4.9 million carry-on items; and 1.3 million checked bags at more than 430 airports daily.
The resolution was presented by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson during an airport recognition event that honored airport employees who went above and beyond to improve the customer experience at Philadelphia International Airport and who achieved service milestones in their careers with the City of Philadelphia.
The City Council’s resolution recognized that TSA works collaboratively with a wide range of security partners and stakeholders in the aviation, surface transportation, intelligence and law enforcement communities.
“Every day, TSA officers are on the front lines performing the vitally important work of keeping our airport, travelers, and employees safe,” said PHL Airport CEO Chellie Cameron. “Their jobs are not easy and sometimes taken for granted. We recognize and appreciate their dedication and hard work every day and thank them for their service to PHL and the entire aviation system.”
“The men and women of TSA in Philadelphia, past and present, have worked hard to earn the trust and respect of our partners in the City of Philadelphia, our stakeholders, and the traveling public,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s Acting Federal Security Director for Philadelphia International Airport. “We are grateful to be recognized in an official yet thoughtful and meaningful way. Many thanks to the City Council of Philadelphia and the airport for being fantastic partners.”
More specific to Philadelphia, the resolution passed by the Council pointed out that, “TSA workers in Philadelphia monitor airport activity for security threats on a daily basis, allowing people across the world to safely enter and exit the Greater Philadelphia region.” The resolution also highlighted the fact that TSA officers screened nearly 1.1 million passengers at PHL during the month of July, contributing to a record-setting month for the agency.
The City Council’s resolution also highlighted the fact that, “TSA workers remained unpaid during the government shutdown in January. Despite not being paid, many Philadelphia TSA workers showed up to the airport and prevented major flight delays.”
The resolution concluded that, “Whereas Philadelphians who work for the TSA deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary service during the January shutdown and for their dedication to the essential daily work at Philadelphia International Airport; now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that November 19th, 2019, be recognized as Transportation Security Administration Appreciation Day in the City of Philadelphia.”
“Since the inception of TSA 18 years ago, we remain proud of our partnership with the City of Philadelphia and our local partners,” said Paul Leyh, TSA’s Executive Director for TSA Aviation Operations. “Again this year our TSA officers and airport security partners will be on duty during the holidays so passengers can enjoy their holidays. The TSA women and men here in Philadelphia are committed to securing the transportation network and serving the traveling public to ensure that all travelers get to their destinations safely.”