The head of the federal Transportation Security Administration honored in a 9/11 remembrance ceremony more than 1,800 employees who have tested positive for the coronavirus during the pandemic.
“Protecting the homeland is such an appropriate theme,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske at a ceremony outside the agency’s Arlington, Virginia, headquarters Friday morning. “This has certainly been born out over the last six months as our nation confronts COVID-19. We have all been on watch together over the past six months and for the past 19 years.”
Airport security checkpoint officers have been unable to work from home throughout the global health crisis, and that has taken a physical toll on many frontline workers who were exposed to the traveling public. Of the TSA’s 64,000 employees, 1,838 have tested positive for the virus since February, and six people have died. At present, 226 employees have the coronavirus.
“Our people are the key to our success,” Pekoske said in brief remarks that highlighted the agency’s devotion to homeland security amid the pandemic. “This year, I have watched us take care of each other and those we serve. At each town hall, I have been fortunate to tell stories of our amazing employees, who have gone above and beyond to help others, whether you helped establish food pantries for fellow airport workers impacted by COVID-19, donated leave to colleagues in need, made the improbable happen on a big project, delivered our new technology solutions, or demonstrated compassion to a traveler when they needed it most.”
The TSA was formed in November 2001, just two months after 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial planes as part of a multistate attack in America. Under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act that November, federal officials were mandated to begin screening 100% of checked baggage, the Federal Air Marshal Service was expanded, and cockpit doors were reinforced. The TSA was formed to oversee security in all types of transportation.
Air travel remains at approximately one-third of what it was last year.
