Inspector’s son lands TSA dream job 15 years after going to Take Kids to Work Day

When Surface TSA Inspector Dell Hart took his son Matt to TSA Take Your Kids to Work Day at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) in 2009, little did he know his son would be so inspired that he would become a TSA employee 15 years later.

It was a presentation by Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) Ty Miller that got Matt imagining what it would be like to help thwart the threat of explosives while working for TSA.

After his first year at Purdue University, Matt decided to join the Air Force to become an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician. He loved it. After five years he decided to leave the military with a goal of working for TSA as a TSS-E.

In the meantime, Matt worked for a government contractor at New Mexico Tech as an EOD technician while applying to many TSS-E job openings.

Last December, Matt's dream of working for the same agency as his father came true when he joined TSA as a TSS-E for Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

"I know watching my father while I was growing up gave me a respect for the mission and the workforce that I've been able to translate into my day-to-day work, from working with officers to performing advanced alarm resolution, to supporting the training mission here in Boston," said Matt. "I've always felt like part of the TSA family, so I'm happy to have a chance to find my own place in Boston.

"I enjoy supporting a busy airport like Boston. It is extremely rewarding to be able to affect so many lives on a daily basis. From the small chats I have with passengers while interacting with the officers and getting to know each one of them, each day brings something new."

Matt hit the ground running in his new job.

"Since joining the BOS TSS-E team just a few months ago, Matt has made a remarkable impression by adeptly demonstrating his skillset and seamlessly fitting into our team," said BOS Supervisory TSS-E Christopher Hawkes.

Dell, who was a cargo inspector at IND when he took his son to Take Your Kids to Work Day in 2009, couldn't be prouder that his son decided to work for TSA.

"I am extremely excited about Matt's career decision," said the elder Hart. "He always thought I had an important and very cool job, whether it was when I was a supervisory officer, TSA manager, cargo inspector, canine handler or surface inspector."

TSS-Es, who serve as subject matter experts for all things explosives, are a special breed who really love what they do, said Dell.

"This story is one of many examples that shows the passion Ty Miller and the other TSS-Es approach their jobs with, which probably had as much impact on Matt as the presentation and the props," said Dell. "I think that passion is something most of us at TSA also share, and it is really cool to see it transferred down to a new generation. Matt has also joked many times over the years about how he would be my boss someday at TSA!"

The presentation Miller gave during Take Your Kids to Work Day sparked a fire in Matt.

"It had a lasting impression on me as a kid. Between the cool explosions, the replicas of different ordnance and Ty's enthusiasm completely captured my attention," said the younger Hart. "When it came time to decide what to do with my life, I found myself thinking back on that day, and knew it was the right thing for me."

Miller remembers Matt attending his presentation like it was yesterday.

"He was so excited about Take Your Kids to Work Day when he got to see what we do," Dell recalled. "The TSS-E presentation really caught his attention. This field is something he talked about over the years since the presentation in 2009."

Miller remembered the presentation he gave in 2009 because it's similar to the one he does today. He described what he tells people about what it takes to be a TSS-E - intense focus, mental toughness, and an unrelenting drive to succeed.

"EOD is the best job in the world," Miller said. "It is as much mental as it is physical. Explosives science is chemistry and physics wrapped in adrenaline and intestinal fortitude. The animal is temperamental and will kill you if you don't give it the respect it deserves. There is no room for a bad day. The best part about being a TSS-E is that I get to pass on what I have learned. That knowledge is critical to TSA operations. We exist to save lives."

Dell beamed as he told Miller that Matt got the job at BOS.

"I wish I had a picture of the pride that I could see coming from Dell when he told me," Miller said. "What a great accomplishment! His son went into the Air Force and successfully completed one of the most difficult schools in the military. Being hired at BOS means he can now pass on what he has learned to the BOS workforce and stay in the fight against terrorism.

"Matt's story inspires me. To know that my experiences, good and bad, encouraged him to take a difficult but very rewarding path gives me pause. Having a positive impact on a young person's life choices is priceless."

IND FSD Aaron Batt said, "I am obviously happy for the Hart family, especially considering Dell Hart, who spent half his career as a canine handler, was among the first 100 TSA employees hired by the agency nationwide, but also because it shows that our actions often have a ripple effect and can change someone's life."

As Father's Day approaches, one dad is gratified that his son followed in his footsteps to work for the same agency he joined more than two decades ago.

"I cannot explain how proud I am of Matt for choosing a career in public service and in a field he has so much interest in," Dell said. "He also took this job because he believes in the mission of TSA and that the job of a TSS-E could help thwart terrorism. All that makes me a very proud dad!"

Also see Faces of TSA: Explosives Detection Canine Handler Wendell Hart for a video of Hart's journey to discover more information about the name of his canine, Hhoward.

By Mike Frandsen, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs