Portland International Named Federal Airport of the Year
Press Release
December 28, 2007
Media Contact: Nico Melendez 877-561-6212
TSA Also Recognizes Two Oregon Security Officers
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) named Portland International Airport (PDX) as the agency's Western Area Airport of the Year during the agency's national awards ceremony held this past November. The award recognizes the airport that exhibits exceptional courtesy and attentiveness to all passengers and customers while offering the highest quality of airport security. TSA also recognized two transportation security officers from the state of Oregon with honorary awards.
"Together, PDX and TSA have established a record of customer confidence and satisfaction through their proactive and vigilant efforts," said Oregon Federal Security Director Mike Irwin. "I am extremely proud of our partnership."
As more than 14 million travelers pass through PDX this year, one thing they will notice is the recently renovated passenger checkpoints. Also, PDX has partnered with TSA to improve security through an agreement to add $1.2 million worth of TSA-funded closed circuit TV cameras and equipment. PDX and TSA are also in the design phase of a $138 million Port of Portland commitment to an in-line checked baggage screening system that will greatly improve the efficiency of baggage screening.
"We're proud to receive this award on behalf of the thousands at PDX who work hard every day to ensure security and provide excellent customer service," said Mary Maxwell, Port of Portland aviation director. "We appreciate our outstanding TSA team, which is integral to making this the best airport you will find anywhere."
Also recognized at the national awards ceremony were Transportation Security Officers Greg Ransom of PDX and Pat Reade of Eugene (Ore.) Airport.
Ransom developed a state of the art computer-based program that contributed to effective and efficient "sharing of timely operational information" by eliminating the need for fax machines and hand deliveries. The program also allows Oregon airports to share operational information, as well as the Team Oregon Safety Team to share such things as training documents and ideas for improvements.
"These revolutionary tools help Team Oregon feel like it is working in a 21st century, modern work environment," said Irwin. "Greg Ransom has been the key factor in this reality change."
Reade received a heroism award for his efforts to save a young man's life after a deadly car accident in September. "Reade called for help and did all he could to keep the young man alive, including stripping off his TSA shirt to use as a compress," according to his nomination paperwork. "Later that day he went to the hospital to follow-up on the condition of the seriously injured teen and was informed that the young man did not survive his injuries."
