COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Transportation Security Administration has named Tom Rice, the federal security director (FSD) in Columbus, as the agency’s FSD of the Year for the Eastern Region, distinguishing him among 125 peers. The award recognizes the FSD who makes significant contributions in providing operational direction for federal security, demonstrating integrity and innovation while adding value to other airports and agencies nationwide.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration announced today the graduation of 10 teams from its National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program. The teams will be assigned to airports in Denver; Miami; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Houston, and to the mass transit system in San Francisco.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration today announced the selection of Robert J. Chiaradio as general manager for operational plans and programs. Chiaradio’s responsibilities include the oversight and management of a multitude of security-related issues including screening operations, the national deployment and program planning offices, regulatory compliance, and training programs and procedures.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to vastly strengthen the security of the nation’s rail systems in the highest threat urban areas. The proposed rule is part of a package of new security measures that will require freight rail carriers to ensure 100 percent positive hand-off of Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH) materials, establish security protocols for custody transfers of TIH rail cars in the high threat urban areas, and appoint a rail security coordinator to share information with the federal government, as well as formalizing the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) freight and passenger rail inspection authority.