Employee Stories

SEA officers photo

SEA officers save life; seconds mattered, officers acted

October 3, 2022

When Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Lead TSA Officer Brian Clausen heard someone yell for 911, he turned on his heels and ran back to find a passenger down on the unsecure side of the checkpoint.

Clausen,…

TSA officials at Albany International Airport donated 75 pounds of tools to representatives of the Tool Box.

What happens to Albany International Airport’s passenger abandoned property?

September 30, 2022

TSA at Upstate New York’s Albany International Airport (ALB) partnered with Colonie Senior Service Center by donating tools abandoned at their airport’s checkpoint to Tool Box, a volunteer operated non-profit and…

TSA Administrator David Pekoske and Christine Griggs, Assistant Administrator for Civil Rights & Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement (bottom photo), addressed coalition members with assistance from two American Sign Language interpreters.

TSA Disability and Multicultural Coalition marks major milestone

September 29, 2022

The 20th Annual TSA Disability and Multicultural Coalition Conference marked a major milestone for TSA, celebrating one of its strongest and longest partnerships since the agency’s inception. The annual conference brought together TSA and…

Traverse City Master Security Training Instructor Nancy Farkas teaches TSA Lead Officer Lindsay Peaslee and Master Security Training Instructor Tim Elmer about new checked baggage equipment. (Photo courtesy of TSA Cherry Capital Airport)

Day in the life: TSA security training instructors

September 28, 2022

Security training instructor (STI) duties are like icebergs  –  only a small percentage of what they do is visible. This can be hard to believe because it’s a very visible position, especially to a new hire.…

Officer Nurra photo

Above and Beyond Act of Kindness at TSA’s Albuquerque International Sunport

September 27, 2022

A passenger in need of assistance traveling through New Mexico’s Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), approached a group of officers but he was unable to communicate the request because of a language barrier.

Omayra Somarriba photo

Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Spotlight: Omayra Somarriba

September 26, 2022

Now through October 15, TSA proudly joins the nation in recognizing the many achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans who are inspiring others throughout the agency to succeed.

This is National Hispanic Heritage Month!

Clark the eagle photo

Big Bird’s brother behaves at Checkpoint A

September 22, 2022

Some days at the checkpoint it seems like the same old thing: “please put your items in the bins,” “please remove all laptops and electronics bigger than a cellphone” or everyone’s favorite, “excuse me, are you wearing…

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Maine TSA officers save sanitation employee’s life

September 22, 2022

Upstate Maine’s Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) services two United Airlines flights during the week, 12 1/2 hours apart. It’s a small airport with five full-time and four part-time TSA officers, so it’s safe…

Challenge winners photo

The Windy City Canine Challenge crowns 2022 champion

September 21, 2022

For canine teams across the nation, the Windy City Canine Challenge (WCCC) is a well-respected competition that only a select few compete in. The weeklong challenge tests the knowledge, bond and communication between handlers and their canine…

Cheddar photo

Paws of Honor - health care for retired working canines

September 21, 2022

Most pet owners have a strong affection for their furry family members, but there’s an especially close bond between a working dog and its handler.

Andrew Hotinger, TSA headquarters canine coordinator, said it’s the result of intensive…

Wyoming summit group photo

Rocked by loss, Team Wyoming uses TSA program to help heal

September 20, 2022

The TSA Wyoming family is resilient.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, they’re courageously talking about how they’re coping with multiple losses this spring from various causes,…

TSA Canine Training Center Director Zebulon “Zeb” Polasek swears in 10-year-old Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel as a TSA canine officer. (Photo by Patricia Mancha)

10-year-old boy sworn in as TSA canine officer

September 19, 2022

A 10-year-old Texas boy can now consider himself a TSA canine officer.

Kudos

Kudos Across America – Fairbanks Alaska

September 16, 2022

Team FAI TSA Officers provide great security and customer service.

Editor’s Note:  Many passengers comment about their checkpoint experience by using the customer comment forms available at the…

DTW TSA Officer Isaiah Key provided service (security) “that was gracious and professional.”  (Photo by Robert Ainsworth)

What People Are Saying (About TSA)

September 15, 2022

July – August 2022

Michigan - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

A Detroit traveler said he was impressed with the Detroit TSA staff! Not only were they kind and respectful, but they…

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Day in the life: TSA transportation security specialists

September 15, 2022

TSA goes global every day, and two of the agency’s transportation security specialists (TSSs) are right in the middle of our international security efforts.

Amanda Sanger and Albert Klukowski spend much of their time on the job overseas,…

Chris Scott photo

Employee Spotlight: Insider Threat Analyst Chris Scott

September 14, 2022

Chris Scott approaches every incident with equal parts of empathy and discretion.

As an insider threat analyst for TSA’s Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service, Scott reviews referrals and incidents that…

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TSA commemorates 20th anniversary at Philadelphia International Airport

September 13, 2022

Approximately 200 TSA employees and retirees were on hand as officials from the TSA team at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) commemorated the 20th anniversary of the federalization of the airport.

AFSD Kittlel with award photo

Alaska Assistant Federal Security Director – Inspections receives coveted lifetime achievement award

September 9, 2022

Although he’s credited with developing countermeasures that helped shape TSA’s standard operating procedures, Alaska Assistant Federal Security Director-Inspections Ed Kittel works quietly, and to a large portion of the…

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9/11: Called to Serve- FSD Bill Csontos

September 8, 2022

September 11th marks the 21st anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on the United States. We all have our own 9/11 story, and the day means something different to each of us. I would like to share my memories as a…