"Security guards replace deputies at Michigan airport"

Thursday, June 12, 2003

Security guards replace deputies at TC airport
Passengers should notice little difference
By PATRICK SULLIVAN
The Traverse City (MI) Record-Eagle


   TRAVERSE CITY - Armed security guards replaced sheriff's deputies at
Cherry Capital Airport as of Tuesday.

   The switch came because the Transportation Security Administration was
unwilling to pay for a long-term contract with the Grand Traverse County
Sheriff's Department to provide armed security, airport director Stephen
Cassens said.

   Aside from the color of the armed guard's uniforms, passengers should
notice little difference, he said. TSA personnel will still run the security
checkpoint.

   Nonetheless, Cassens said it was helpful to have law enforcement at the
airport because they had the power to make arrests. Traverse City Police
will now be called to the airport when law enforcement personnel are needed.

   "Right now we're working with it," Cassens said. "We'll see how it goes."

   Since stepped-up security measures were mandated in the wake of the Sept.
11 attacks, armed guards have been required at the airport. The National
Guard first performed that duty until the sheriff's department took over.

   But because the TSA would not enter into a long-term contract with the
sheriff's department, new officers could not be hired and the deputies who
were stationed at the airport had to be paid overtime.

   Sheriff Capt. Tom Emerson said deputies ended their last shift at the
airport at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

   F & M Security, which has been providing unarmed security at the airport,
took over for the sheriff's department. Cassens said their personnel who
carry firearms have undergone special training.

 Do you have an opinion about this story?
Share it with other readers in our CAA Discussion Forums

http://www.californiaaviation.org/dc/dcboard.php

*****************************************