A “Paws” in the action of the Houston Airport System (HAS) was recently lived at Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) took a time out to honor Continental Airlines for their support of the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Teams Program.

In the shadow of a 767 wide body aircraft - inside a Continental Airlines hangar at IAH - the TSA offered awards and accolades to a team of Continental employees for their hands on support of the program, now more than 30 years old.

The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program is a prime example of TSA partnering with local law enforcement agencies and the aviation industry to bring expert explosive detection to aviation.

The TSA secures the canines and trains both the canines and canine handlers. The Houston Police department provides the officers and Continental Airlines, along with HAS, supplies the setting and baggage.

These highly trained teams are the most mobile form of explosive detection and can be utilized in all areas of the airport environment. Several times each day, the teams search aircraft and terminals, to check out suspect bags or cargo and to deter terrorist activities.

Two of the nine canine explosives teams at IAH joined the gathering as TSA Field Canine Coordinator, Ed Ridel, distributed award plaques and heartfelt appreciation to members of the Continental Airlines baggage handlers group.

TSA’s, Hector Vela, Deputy Federal Security Director for Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, also weighed in with a host of compliments for Continental.