TSA Releases Its ‘Paws-itively Cute’ 2024 Canine Calendar

The TSA has released its annual “Paws-itively Cute” dog calendar.

In a press release issued Monday, the Transportation Security Administration shared a link to this year’s 15 winners, who were chosen from more than 1,000 of its explosive detection dogs that were honored this year across the United States.

“TSA uses canines as part of its multi-layered security operations across the country and also trains approximately 300 canines each year,” the statement said. “These highly skilled dogs are trained to detect the scent of explosives or explosive materials.

“TSA canines are paired with handlers who use a working dog’s keen sense of smell to ensure security throughout the nation’s transportation system,” the statement continued.

TSA’s 2024 Dog Calendar

Traffic Safety Administration

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Featured photos in the calendar include facts about each individual dog, such as breed, date of birth, favorite treat and toy, along with the specific airport each dog serves and protects.

January’s model, posing in the snow, is a Belgian Malinois named Gini-Gina from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York.

Kari — a same-breed dog born the day before Valentine’s Day — was featured in February, photographed in a red holding unit and working at Bangor International Airport (BGR) in Maine.

Next up is Archy Arce, a male German Shorthaired Pointer from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), photographed on board with his favorite activity listed as “laying in the sun.” Additionally, the calendar notes that the dog is named “in honor of David G. Arce, a firefighter from New York City, Engine 33, who died in the line of duty while responding during the 9/11 attacks.”

Archy-Arce from TSA’s 2024 Dog Calendar

Traffic Safety Administration

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Other pups include Dina from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Ben from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU), Csimbok from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Eci from Buffalo Niagara International Airport/Niagra Falls International Airport ( BUF/ IAG) and Duke-LeDuc from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

In addition, Lubo-Logo also comes from LAX, Erika from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Joker-Jordan from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Puk from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Ricky from San Antonio International Airport (SAT); SAT Police Department, Zeta from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Zita from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).

Zita from the TSA’s 2024 Dog Calendar.

Traffic Safety Administration

According to the release, each dog trains for 16 weeks at the TSA Dog Training Center in San Antonio. After meeting their handlers, they are trained to adapt to a “busy traffic environment” and “learn their skill to detect various explosive odors before reporting to their duty stations.”

“Each dog and their handler serve as a reliable resource for detecting explosives, as well as a visible deterrent to terrorism in all modes of transportation,” the statement added.

For more information about TSA’s Explosives Detection Canine Program, visit TSA.gov.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education