Award Nomination of
Transportation Security Administration Officer/
US Department of Homeland
Security Officer Daniel Alan Bernath April 26, 2004

Daniel A. Bernath, TSA Officer at Portland International Airport, Oregon, has set an example to other screeners by his good humor and ability to work with our diverse screening work force.

TSA Officer Dan Bernath has set an example to other officers by his ability to make the flying public feel comfortable about air travel with his professional demonstration of search procedures and his ability to also make the flying public feel at ease. I have often watched him make small talk with passengers when they are obviously nervous about having their personal luggage searched in public.

At times when an alarm is triggered on a piece of luggage, I see how Officer Daniel Bernath makes the very nervous passenger feel at ease as he questions them about the source of the alarm.

Officer Dan Bernath has often been called “Mr. Standard Operating Procedure” by some of his fellow screeners because of his uncompromising dedication to air safety by providing world class security. His high standards for searching luggage with exacting detail, and customer service has been noticed by many US Department of Homeland Security Officers who have who have worked with him and his inspired them to set high goals and standards for themselves just as Officer Bernath has set for himself.

During the right sizing period, many screener officers expressed their unhappiness but Officer D. A. Bernath spoke with them and reminded them of their responsibilities to their fellow Americans and their oath to “protect” our families and friends and fellow Americans.

Officer Daniel Alan Bernath has inspired us all with his untiring work and dedication to the mission of aviation safety.

I have also noticed his keen awareness of his surroundings. He is one of the first to notice unattended bags in the immediate area (potentially containing improvised explosive devises) giving proper notice to Lead Officers and Supervisors of TSA Officers. And, he has often noticed when airlines are putting bags that have not been cleared on their belt for transport to their aircraft (and thus intentionally bypassing US Department of Homeland Security inspection)

Frank L. Corbin

Lead Screening Officer
Transportation Security Administration

 

 

TSA Officer Daniel  Bernath honored in the United States Congress click here

 

 

 

 

United States Department of Homeland Security 
Recommendation for Award for US Department of Homeland Security
Transportation Security Administration Officer Daniel A. Bernath

April 24, 2004

All screeners and respected Supervisors have observed Officer Daniel A. Bernath in the carrying out of his important life-protecting duties.

I have watched TSA Supervisor Sharon Davis recognize the excellent bomb detecting abilities of TSA Officer Daniel A. Bernath. For example, while operating the million dollar CTX X Ray machine, even though the CTX machine had cleared a bag, Officer Bernath was not convinced and pointed out how the bag appeared to contain a improvised explosive devise. Upon arrival at CTX One, Davis did express her concern that the luggage contained an improvised explosive devise (as Officer Bernath initially reported) because all of the elements of such a devise were present. Davis stated that Officer Bernath acted correctly, with alertness and appropriate caution for the safety of all passengers utilizing Portland International Airport stating Bernath implemented a “good hold” and “good call.”

Throughout Officer Dan Bernath’s career with the US Department of Homeland Security, Bernath has uncovered and courageously reported security breaches at Portland International Airport to his TSA Superiors.

Bernath‘s relentless determination to observe, prevent and report security breaches at Portland International Airport in spite of potential personal security has been observed by and is an inspiration to each screener at Portland Intl. Airport. Bernath’s knowledge and dedication is as good or better than any Lead Screener or Supervisor.

A lead screener has stated that he has observed all screeners during the peak AM shift and observed Officer Daniel Bernath and determined that “Officer Bernath is the most conscientious screener at PDX.” I agree with this observation and confirm that Officer Bernath is the most observant, painstaking, precise and trustworthy TSA Officer in his job performance and courage in reporting security breaches.  He knows how important the job of inspecting for and finding improvised explosive devises is to keep the American public safe during this War on Terrorism.

In protecting American aviation, for his dedication to this mission of homeland security, for the example he sets for all other screeners across the United States, Officer Daniel A. Bernath’s initiative, and inspiring dedication, reflected credit upon himself and upheld and enhanced the highest traditions of the Transportation Security Administration and the United States Department of Homeland Security.