This week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is celebrating American Heroes Week – a time to honor and thank our brave military service members and veterans, law enforcement officers, first responders and workers.
To mark American Heroes Week, we at DHS would like to introduce you to some of the brave men, women, and furry friends at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) who are helping to keep the traveling public safe.
Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector Adam Falise has been recognized as a nominee for the Secretary’s Valor Award. Adam happened to be on a soon-to-depart aircraft at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) during a recent active shooter incident. During the incident, Adam safely led a large group of travelers to safety, and spent almost the entire day with them until each checked-in to a hotel or was picked-up by a family member. He also treated many in the group to dinner because they had left all personal belongings, including purses and wallets, on the aircraft during the evacuation.
Supervisory Transportation Security Inspector Adam Falise
Transportation Security Officer Daniel Carscallen is the “go-to” person at the Sloulin Field International Airport (ISN). His technical knowledge, total dedication to duty, and willingness to serve in any capacity have made him an indispensable member at ISN, TSA North Dakota, and a true unsung hero. Dan's quiet confidence carries a great level of reassurance and respect within the screening ranks. He truly represents the excellence, spirit and dedication of a model TSA employee.
Transportation Security Officer Daniel Carscallen
Assistant Federal Security Director – Law Enforcement, Raymond Scott Goins ran to the aid of an employee pinned by a running vehicle, placing himself in danger. He stopped the car and concentrated on assisting the injured employee by removing him slowly and carefully from within and under the vehicle. He stayed with the employee and provided an initial assessment of his injuries, keeping him still and as calm and comfortable as possible until medical assistance could be determined and summoned.
Assistant Federal Security Director – Law Enforcement, Raymond Scott Goins
Assistant Federal Security Director for Law Enforcement, Scott R. Shire, of the McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada, served in the United States Navy and remains active in the Navy Reserves. He has worked a wide range of criminal investigations and has been directly involved in numerous military operations throughout the world as a Special Operations Officer. Mr. Shire has represented the FAMS in command and control functions at Super Bowl XLII, Las Vegas 2008-2011 New Year’s Events, 2007 NBA All Star Game, and various other high profile security events. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, 6 Navy Commendation Medals, and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Assistant Federal Security Director for Law Enforcement, Scott R. Shire
Each year, Coordination Center Officer Jeanette Mulder coordinates the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Blood Drive. Jeanette has taken a personal passion of saving lives through blood donation, and has made it an airport-wide event for the past five years. Jeanette spends many hours of her own time coordinating this event and advertising it across TSA, the airlines, and airport employees. The annual SMF blood drive is a popular event among all employees and without Jeanette’s personal commitment to excellence, it would not succeed at levels seen.
Coordination Center Officer Jeanette Mulder
Supervisory Regional Canine Team Instructor Charles Rotenberry, a Purple Heart recipient from injuries he sustained in Afghanistan in 2011, turned his traumatic injury into a life's calling supporting wounded veterans. He and his wife are very active in helping to raise money and awareness regarding the effects wounded veterans and their families face when returning from the battlefield, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He started a non-profit organization called Walking Point for PTSD and TBI which supplies veterans with funding to receive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) treatments. To date, they have raised over $92,000 and have raised awareness of these important issues through numerous interviews, radio broadcasts, charity events, neighborhood and community outreach events, and meeting with Veteran’s Affairs officials and members of Congress.
Supervisory Regional Canine Team Instructor Charles Rotenberry
Coming together in Minneapolis- St. Paul, Minnesota from locations all over the United States, TSA-Minnesota formed the first Passenger Screening Canine (Explosive Detecting Canine Handlers- EDCH) team. These professionals and their canine partners are a key layer of security for the passengers traveling out of Minneapolis-St. Paul Int’l airport. Team includes: Explosive Technician Canine Handler (EDCH) Denise Smith and Millie, EDCH Brandon Olson and Dd’Atri, Supervisory EDCH Tyler Johnstone, EDCH Jeannie Carney & Eebbers, and EDCH Davis Kinnischtzke and Poyti.
TSA-Minnesota Passenger Screening Canine (Explosive Detecting Canine Handlers- EDCH) team
In 2002, Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) Lavina Cannon was selected as one of the first TSA Officers employed at the Meadows Field Airport, Bakersfield, CA. STSO Cannon enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve in February 2004 and has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and many other smaller operations. STSO Cannon currently serves at San Diego International Airport.
Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) Lavina Cannon
Read about how other DHS components, CBP and ICE are helping keep America safe.
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