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A Dedication to Reaching Out

News & Happenings

April 28, 2008

In Kirksville, Mo., high school students with the Young Leaders Institute visit the airport where they learned about the checkpoint screening process from Ken Sloan (far right).
In Kirksville, Mo., high school students
with the Young Leaders Institute visit
the airport where they learned about the
checkpoint screening process from Ken
Sloan (far right).

Ken Sloan, a supervisory transportation security officer at Kirksville (Mo.) Airport, is dedicated to "putting a face to TSA" in the local community, using his teaching and presentation skills to explain the agency's mission and policies.

Sloan supports a community outreach initiative that started at Lambert St. Louis International Airport in early 2004. After transferring as a TSO from Dallas Love Field to St. Louis in 2005, Sloan became involved with reaching out to travel agencies, youth organizations, community service organizations and schools.

"For the infrequent flyer, the perception of airport security is often different from the reality, and can be confusing or even intimidating," said Sloan. The community outreach he offers allows people to "get information directly from TSA."

The program was a perfect fit for Sloan, who had previously worked as an outdoor skills education specialist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. When he became a supervisor and moved to Kirksville two years ago, he brought the initiative with him.

"I often attend regular meetings at civic organizations, where I can educate attendees about security and answer questions," said Sloan. He often travels with a prohibited items display, which is particularly popular with youth organizations and at schools.