North Charleston, SC — The Charleston International Airport increased its level of safety and security with the addition of two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) trained canines. In a collaborative effort with TSA, CCAAPD K-9 Officers Adam Browning and Angela Peterson attended the National Explosives Detection Canine Program at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas.
The rigorous four-month program trains and deploys both TSA-led and state and local law enforcement-led canine teams in support of day-to-day activities that protect the transportation industry. These highly trained explosives detection canine teams are a reliable resource at detecting explosives and provide a visible deterrent to terrorism directed towards transportation systems.
“Our goal, working alongside our federal partner, is to collectively enhance the passenger experience while maintaining a high level of safety, said Elliott Summey, Charleston International Airport Executive Director and CEO.” “This partnership with TSA will allow us to provide additional resources to the millions of passengers that use our facility.”
These highly trained explosives detection canine teams are a reliable resource at detecting explosives and provide a visible deterrent to terrorism directed towards transportation systems. Canine teams graduate from the TSA canine course after demonstrating proficiency in various venues inclusive of all transportation environments including airport, terminal, freight, cargo, baggage, vehicle, bus, ferry, and rail.
“This is a true example of teamwork, said David McMahon, TSA Federal Security Director-South Carolina.” “CHS was willing to sponsor their own officers to work alongside us to provide more resources to effectively screen passengers during peak times at the state’s busiest airport.”
Officer Browning is paired with a very special German Shorthaired Pointer named Boa; and Officer Peterson is paired with a German Shepard named Ribi.