One of the best parts about flying the friendly skies is getting to watch TSA canines at work. They’re as serious about their jobs as they are adorable. TSA canines’ noses keep us safe from explosives and put a little smile on our faces while we wait in those endless security checkpoint lines and cringe at the thought of taking off our shoes!
One of these airport heroes recently retired after eight proud years of service. TTirado was given one last bag search that was full of some pretty spectacular surprises! Luckily, his co-workers captured it all on video and shared it with us!
An Unforgettable Last Bag Search
Mark Howell is TSA’s Regional Spokesperson and he shared the video on Twitter.
“After more than 8 years of service @INDairport, @TSA explosive detection canine TTirado has officially retired,” he tweeted.
His TSA career began in 2012 when he graduated from the third class of screening canines. His training took place at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He was one of TSA’s longest-serving canine employees!
TTirado will spend his retirement getting cuddles and treats with his furever family. He was adopted by his handler, Keith Gray. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of any of my co-workers that I would want to adopt, but when you work cuties like TTirado, it’s a no-brainer.
Twitter has exploded (no pun intended) with comments congratulating TTirado on his retirement. His last bag search video has collected over 1,000,000 views!
TTirado Has A First Class Ticket To Retirement From Here On Out
If you’re curious about his name, you aren’t seeing a typo. TTirado was named in honor of Hector Luis Tirado, Jr. – a firefighter in New York who lost his life on 9/11. Canines who are named in honor of fallen heroes are given the distinction of a double first letter in their name. TTirado diligently carried out a legacy and the hard work necessary to keep our country safe.
When he wasn’t busy sniffing out explosives, TTirado moonlighted as an undercover skunk.
Just kidding. But he wasn’t afraid to dress like one. After all, every good boy knows that life can’t be all work and no play! But, now that he’s retired, it will be 100% all play from here on out.
“Happy Friday! Any weekend plans? Asking for a friend (who has lots of free time now),” Howell shared.
Look at what he found on his last bag search! Congratulations, TTirado!
After more than 8 years of service @INDairport, @TSA explosive detection canine TTirado has officially retired. He was adopted by his handler Keith Gray and will spend retirement at home with his family. Check out this clip of his final bag search and reward! ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/efRwPFrmDi
— Mark Howell (@TSAMedia_MarkH) June 17, 2020
Toledo, United States.
