Employee Stories

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport TSO Gilbert Zapanta extended his hand to SJC Human Resources Program Assistant John Paratore and Human Resources Specialist Steven Hampton (back right) when he arrived at San Francisco International Airport. (Photo courtesy of TSA SJC)

Injured California TSA officer’s extraordinary recovery, journey from South Korea

December 11, 2023

Just a few days into a South Korean vacation with his wife, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) TSA Officer Gilbert Zapanta suffered a severe head injury from a fall in his hotel bathroom.

The next two weeks were lost to…

Alliance Municipal Airport, Alliance Nebraska (Photo by Jacob Mills)

Kudos Across America – Alliance, Nebraska

December 6, 2023

Wonderful staff, very friendly.

Always accommodating and informative.

TSA is doing a great job [at Alliance Municipal Regional Airport], thanks!

I travel an hour to use this airport specifically and I’ve never been…

(Photo by Lisa Farbstein)

Mock terrorist attack prepares Virginia bus system for the worst

December 4, 2023

The simulated terrorist attack was escalating quickly!

From intruders in the county’s bus parking lot to suspicious backpacks on buses – vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IEDs) blew up, killing and…

(Image courtesy Sean Shiplett)

The Windy City Canine Challenge

December 1, 2023

TSA explosives detection canine teams (EDC) from around the nation were put through their paces as they competed in the Windy City Canine Challenge in Chicago.  

TSA C-MANPADS Section Chief Rick Williams (left) teams with members of the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority to assess the threat of MANPADS. (Photo courtesy of Rick Williams)

Did you know? TSA on front lines to combat MANPADS

November 29, 2023

Surface-to-air missiles pose a serious threat to worldwide aviation, and what you may not know is TSA is on the front lines around the world battling the threat.

Over 500,000 Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) currently exist,…

Children and adults with autism toured San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport to practice screening for flights.  (Photo courtesy of TSA)

California TSA officers help passengers with autism prepare to fly

November 28, 2023

The job of TSA officers is not only to keep travelers safe by providing world-class security, but also to ensure the best passenger experience possible. That goes for passengers from all walks of life, including those…

The PSS officer provides real-time, in-person screening assistance for individuals from diverse population groups. (File photo)

Put TSA Passenger Support Specialists on your nice list before you travel

November 27, 2023

TSA Passenger Support Specialists (PSS) are like Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. They are the shining light for many passengers as they make their way through security screening at the airport.

Like the reindeer with the glowing red nose…

Kids' Art Story

TSA through a child’s eyes

November 22, 2023

A group of young children expressed their appreciation of TSA through an array of crayon-colored sketches after taking a field trip to northern Indiana's South Bend International Airport (SBN).

The early…

Will Rogers World Airport TSA Lead Officer Leah Park (Photo courtesy of TSA OKC)

Oklahoma lead TSA officer dances to Native American drumbeat

November 21, 2023

Drawing from her Kiowa tribal roots, Lead TSA officer Leah Park is proud to bring her special brand of resilience to checkpoint at Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport (OKC).

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…