DATE: April 9, 2021
TO: All Personnel: LGA, ISP, HPN, SWF
FROM: Robert A. Duffy, Federal Security Director: LGA, ISP, HPN, SWF
SUBJECT: Weekly Update
As I write this week’s update, we are starting to see a modest increase in passenger volume which is good news. With the expected increase of passenger volume at our airports, I ask everyone to commit to getting back to an operational mindset such as what we had in 2019. As I have watched screening operations at our various checkpoints over the past month, I have seen occasions where officer discipline has become lax. We work in a counter-terrorism agency in which attention to detail, due diligence and teamwork are vitally important to our success. When officers walk away from their assigned position to talk to another officer or take prolonged breaks beyond 15 or 30 minutes, they reduce the efficiency of the entire checkpoint and create friction among their teammates who need to take on more work and responsibility. Last year was a very light lift for everyone due to the low passenger volume, reduced airline schedules and substantial use of Weather and Safety Leave resulting from the pandemic. We now need to get re-calibrated back to our pre-pandemic state of mind.
Our Training Unit is currently providing Mission Essentials training at all of our airports. That training class is designed to get all personnel back in focus to the TSA mission. Supervisors and managers need to pay close attention to their personnel and check for vigilance, attention to detail, good teamwork and adherence to the screening SOPs. In addition to Mission Essentials training, I have asked that our Training Unit provide refresher training at LGA, Terminal B, for the proper use of the Rohde and Schwartz eAIT machines. Every TSO, LTSO and STSO need to understand the capabilities of those units and become proficient in their use. Those units are capable of processing up to 800 passengers an hour when used correctly and the 3-person team assigned to the unit are all working together. By returning to a proper state of mind in carrying out our professional responsibilities every day and breaking ourselves of any bad habits now, we will be in a good position to have a very successful summer season when the passenger volume will increase well above where we are today.
Last week we received the certification required to conduct Open Queue Concept (OQC) with our K-9 teams in Terminal C. We are planning to also seek certification in Terminal A. As previously stated, Spirit Airlines will be moving their Florida destination flights from Terminal C to Terminal A starting Wednesday, April 28. All non-Florida Spirit flights will stay in Terminal C. The additional flights in Terminal A will justify the use of K-9 teams for OQC in that terminal.
Effective Sunday, April 25, 2021, we will resume the use of biometrics at all of the KRONOS time clocks. A detailed explanation is included in your weekly roll call. In short, we have ample hand sanitizer, alcohol and disinfectant at the checkpoints, training rooms and KRONOS clocks to keep the clocks and your hands disinfected. The solid, non-porous surface is conducive to effective cleaning and deterring the spread of germs. This is consistent with CDC guidance and has been approved by TSA-HQ.
At SWF, the new Federal Inspection Station (FIS) is complete and ready for use. We now need foreign air carriers to return. The completion of that FIS will afford the PANYNJ to expand our checkpoint beyond the current two lanes. The checkpoint expansion likely won’t happen in the near future, but a foreign carrier returning to SWF will be the catalyst for the PANYNJ to re-engage with the planning and funding process needed to begin an expansion project.
At LGA, the PANYNJ has been helpful in helping us obtain an ACDTV viewing station in Terminal B at the east supervisor podium. Once connected, we will have a second on-site location to view the ACDTV when needed.
As you know, I constantly encourage all of you to follow one of the basic tenets of good leadership, which is to seek self-improvement and never stop learning. This is a good time to remind you that the TSA has a college tuition reimbursement program which will help pay for your education. For those without a college degree, we have the Associate’s Degree program. Just recently, the TSA has created the ACT program, Academic Credit for Training. This is a great opportunity to receive college credit toward a degree based on your training with the TSA. This program will afford you to save time and money while working toward your degree. Please take advantage of this opportunity. Most colleges offer on-line classes that are available at any time of the week, so you can easily go to college without interfering with your work schedule.
Next week, we will all receive an e-mail to participate in a TSA-wide survey. The survey is called the LEADERSHIP FOR ENGAGEMENT SURVEY. This survey is a great opportunity for you to review and rate the three levels of leadership above you. Our leadership structure is TSO, LTSO, STSO, H-Band Manager, I-Band Manager, DAFSD (Deputy Assistant Federal Security Director), AFSD (Assistant Federal Security Director) DFSD (Deputy Federal Security Director) and FSD. This includes Supervisory TSIs and AFSD-I in Regulatory. Mission support has a Supervisory Program Analyst, Supervisory HR Specialists, Administrative Officer and AFSD-MS. Whatever position you hold, you will rate the three next higher positions above you. The survey is anonymous, so we want you be candid with your ratings. This survey will be a means for us to improve your leadership team. All of you will be given time while at work to complete the survey. This is not the FEVS survey which covers a wide variety of work related topics. This survey is focused on leadership. Please take the survey when you receive it. I need to know your opinions so we can drive improvement in your leadership. You deserve and expect excellent leadership, and this survey is a means to improve the leadership at LGA, HPN, ISP and SWF. Thank you in advance for taking the Leadership for Engagement Survey and helping to guide the future of our airports.
I want to continue encouraging all of you who have not received a COVID-19 vaccination, to sign up and receive it. The virus is still very active in New York and we have seen a rise in confirmed cases in recent weeks. I received a first dose and will go for my second dose next week. Having the illness was far worse than the vaccination.
In keeping with the importance of recognition of our personnel, please join me in congratulating the following for their recent recognition for years of service: 15 Years - LTSO Kelvin Morales and TSO Rafael Garcia; 10 Years – STSO Yansi Jimenez, LTSO Christopher Guzman; 5 Years – TSO Vazha Menteshashviliv, TSO Shawn Charles, TSO Nicole Epps. In recognition of great catches last week: LTSO Michele Gorritz (Knife), TSO Alexander Jaquez (50 rounds of ammunition), TSO Cynthia Serrano (Ammunition), TSO Ashley Santos (Ammunition), TSO Odessa Weekes (Switch Blade), TSO Milan McNeil (Ammunition), TSO Prince Owoahne (Brass Knuckles), TSO Calvin Chung (Rifle Ammunition and Brass Knuckles), TSO Katrina Thorne (Double Edged Knife), TSO Cesar Thomas (Loaded Gun) and LTSO John Altenburg (Stun-gun Flashlight). Thank you all for your exceptional attention to detail and keep up the outstanding effort.
I want to address the recent State of New York law change to legalize marijuana. While it may now be legal to use that drug for recreational purposes, it is still a violation of federal law and a positive drug test will cost you your career. Make responsible decisions in life and use good judgement. Just because something is popular or legal doesn’t make it inherently right. Always remember that the measure of our lives is weighed on the scale of the choices we have made. That scale is made by ourselves forged throughout the years of our lives. When I wrote last week about being people of good character, virtue and honor; this topic is a good example.
For all of you in a position of leadership, remember what I wrote about recently. I am here to serve all of you, you are not here to serve me. I expect that same servant leadership mindset and commitment from every LTSO, STSO, Manager, DAFSD, AFSD, STSS-E, STSI, Supervisory HR Specialist, Administrative Officer and DFSD. Every problem that comes to our attention is our responsibility. Don’t ever turn away a subordinate or peer in need of help, and don’t ever say it isn’t your job. The most important part of leadership is to look out for the welfare of your people. That responsibility and obligation as a leader is not situational or only when it is convenient. It is constant every day. Throughout our lives, many people have taken the time to help us. The first such people were our families. Teachers and coaches came along as we grew older, and then eventually supervisors, managers, commanders, etc. We all have a responsibility to give back to others, especially those of us in leadership positions. “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Thank you for your continued dedication to the TSA mission and to our Nation. I am proud of all of you.
Respectfully,
Bob Duffy
