Happy Retirement, TSA Canine Ssiller

The Department of Homeland Security is honored to wish Transportation Security Administration (TSA) explosives detection canine Ssiller a happy retirement. Ssiller retired Sunday after working for six years to keep the traveling public safe at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Ssiller and TSA Canine Handler Christopher Neeson pose for a photo in New York (TSA photo)

Ssiller has worked exclusively with Transportation Security Inspector Christopher Neeson, who is adopting the dog to keep as a pet in his retirement. Neeson will be training for 12 weeks with a new canine partner at TSA’s National Canine Training Center in San Antonio, Texas, to bring back to work at JFK Airport.

“Ssiller has been an ideal partner,” Neeson said. “It’s going to be a big change for him in retirement, one that he deserves for so many years of service to the mission. I imagine he’ll miss working in the airport."

Ssiller and Neeson visit the World Trade Center Memorial to pay respects to Stephen G. Siller, the fallen fire fighter who is the dog’s namesake. (TSA photo)

Ssiller was named after Stephen G. Siller, a Brooklyn firefighter who, on September 11, 2001 lost his life saving others after the attack on the World Trade Center. TSA canines named after those who died on 9/11 carry two identical first letters to start their names, like Ssiller.

Ssiller, we thank you for your dedication to the DHS mission as the namesake of an American hero. We wish you all the best in your retirement!