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Chertoff Recognizes TSOs for Accomplishments

News & Happenings

April 5, 2007

Secretary Michael Chertoff congratulates TSO Larry Farmer. FSD Larry Fetters, center, looks on.
Secretary Michael Chertoff congratulates TSO Larry
Farmer. FSD Larry Fetters, center, looks on.

Los Angeles International Airport Transportation Security Officers Larry Farmer and Emilio Martinez had earned an opportunity to meet Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff when he visited there recently.

Farmer had come across an unattended handbag containing nearly $19,000 in cash, but no identification. Fortunately, a cash register receipt was in the bag and, with the help of the FBI, the bag's owner was identified and contacted.

Martinez, only three months on the job, was doing secondary screening on a passenger when his hand wand alarmed. Martinez called in his supervisor and possible threat items were discovered in the passenger's body cavity. TSA called law enforcement and the passenger was arrested for immigration violations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"These two TSOs represent the incredible workforce at Los Angeles International Airport," said FSD Larry Fetters, who gave each a TSA coin and Farmer a certificate of recognition. "The very least we could do is give them an opportunity to meet the secretary."