"TSA honors airport security officers"

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

TSA honors airport security officers
Workers' courtesy and professionalism cited 
By BRIAN LAWSON
The Huntsville (AL) Times


The Transportation Security Administration held a quiet ceremony Monday at
Huntsville International Airport to commemorate the work of its security
officers, whose jobs took shape in the wake of Sept. 11. 

"We will never celebrate our creation, but it is appropriate to recognize
the service," said Sam Bucy, TSA assistant federal security director
responsible for Huntsville operations. "We appreciate what you have done,
and it is a privilege to serve with you." 

Bucy's remarks were addressed to some 54 TSA security officers, known as
TSOs, who have served here for the past five years. 

The TSA currently employs about 64 people at the airport, and they have had
to account for 3.2 million departing passengers since 2002. 

The officers were given a commemorative coin and certificate during the
event. 

Speakers at Monday's event, including U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Huntsville;
Mayor Loretta Spencer; and Jeff Sikes, who chairs the Huntsville-Madison
County Airport Authority, cited the officers' professionalism and courtesy
in dealing with the public. 

"The spirit of this airport makes a big impression on folks," Cramer said.
"You know how to do your jobs, but this is not an easy task, and it takes
its toll. I would not miss this opportunity to thank you." 

The TSA was created as part of a law signed by President Bush in November
2001. It made the agency responsible for security of all modes of
transportation in the U.S., said Joe Robertson, a TSA transportation
security inspector. In 2002, the Homeland Security Agency was formed, and
TSA became part of that agency. 

Among TSA responsibilities as of Dec. 31, 2002, has been screening all
checked luggage for explosives. 

Dempsey Jones, a TSA senior field executive based in Washington, D.C., told
the assembled group that he was in New York on Sept. 11 and can recall it
like it was yesterday. 

"If you can look yourself in the mirror in the morning and tell yourself it
is not going to happen on my watch," Jones said, "you're doing your job. 

"If another 9/11 were going to happen, it's going to be a TSO who's going to
stop them, someone like you." 

Two deceased TSA Huntsville-based employees were also recognized for their
service Monday, TSO Robert Gobble and TSA Supervisor John Grieshaber.

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