Good Afternoon Team LGA,
We are roughly one month into the worst pandemic to affect
our Nation since the Spanish Flu outbreak a century ago. Many things we
hear and see in today’s media were unthinkable just a few weeks ago. It
is a scary and uncertain time with no end in sight. Despite the fear and
risk, however, many of you have continued to answer the Nation’s call at our
four airports. These countless acts of selflessness and dedication to the
solemn oath that unites us serves to inspire me each and every day. I am
reminded of the acclaimed words of Sir Winston Church following the Battle of
Britain, “Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many
to so few”. You “few” are making a huge difference in keeping the vital
transportation infrastructure operational as the Nation fights to save lives
and find a cure.
We have had several employees at LGA and ISP who have become
ill with the coronavirus in the past three weeks. I am happy to report
that all are in various stages of recovery, while one Officer has already
returned to duty. FSD Duffy, who also contracted the virus, is nearing a
full recovery and should return to us in the coming week or two. We are
grateful that more employees have not contracted the virus and extend our
thoughts and prayers to those of us and their families who are fighting off the
virus.
Many of you have expressed your thoughts about adopting a
different schedule to further reduce the risk to the workforce. All have
been very good ideas. Our scheduling team recently published a modified
plan that went into effect today, 5 April. However, there is more work to
be done and you will see additional reductions in work hours in the coming days
as we further align ourselves with the evolving flight schedules of the air
carriers.
One of the principle reasons why our infection rates have
been modest in comparison to other airports in the region can be traced to your
diligence in wearing the proper PPE, adopting effective personal hygiene
practices, and observing social distancing guidelines. I commend all of
you for your discipline in maintaining the lowest possible risk in our airport
work environment. One big reminder, though, PLEASE do not come to
work if you believe there is a chance you are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms.
It is far better to call in sick as a precaution rather than risk
exposing your fellow employees.
We have many difficult days that lie ahead as we navigate
our way through this national crisis. However, it is in these darkest
moments that true character is revealed. I admire all of you for standing
and being counted. For answering the call. For staying the
course. You are the reason I come to work every day. Keep the
faith, we will endure as one team.
V/r,
Matt McKeon
Deputy Federal Security Director
Transportation Security Administration
LaGuardia/Long Island MacArthur/Westchester County/New York
Stewart Int’l Airports
75-20 Astoria Blvd, Suite 300
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
W: 718-340-0039
C: 718-734-8843
