TSA Salt Lake City Readies Students for Air Travel
News & Happenings
March 12, 2007
"Fly Safe, Be Proud!" is the cheer that echoes through elementary and junior high school auditoriums across Salt Lake City when transportation security officers (TSOs) visit as part of an outreach program to educate students about TSA’s screening process, history and role within the Department of Homeland Security.
The program was created by Lead TSO Marae Persson to help children who may be frightened of the airport environment.
“This also gives us an opportunity to get out the most current 3-1-1 liquids and gels message to the parents,” said Persson, explaining that students are given brochures to take home.
Nearly 60,000 Utah students have participated in the 45-minute interactive assembly visits. Role-playing as TSOs, students review screening techniques by using props that include hand wands and explosives trace detection swabs. Students also enjoy making paper airplanes that, when folded properly, reveal a list of prohibited items and the TSA Web site where more information can be found.
Participating TSOs say the biggest reward is when students visiting an airport proudly point out officers and show their families how to get through security.
