Lead Transportation Security Officer Emily Brady Recognized for Heroic Life-Saving Actions

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) is proud to recognize Lead Transportation Security Officer (LTSO) Emily Brady and other TSA employees for their extraordinary efforts on December 13, 2024, when their quick actions helped save the life of a passenger in medical distress.

At approximately 4:19 PM , a passenger presented themselves for screening on Lane 7 when they suddenly collapsed, striking their head on the floor. Transportation Security Officer (TSO) Yarenid Fine observed that the passenger appeared to be struggling to breathe and immediately alerted the team. TSO John Pepler promptly called over the radio to request 911 for a medical emergency while assisting in clearing the area of other passengers.

LTSO Emily Brady responded to assess the passenger's condition, joined by LTSOs Samantha Fairbairn-Donato and Belinda Hayden, who contacted Rhode Island Airport Corporation and 911 emergency services. Supervisory Transportation Security Officer Kathleen Cummings worked alongside LTSO Brady to check for responsiveness and breathing. Once it was determined that the passenger was unresponsive, LTSO Brady began chest compressions at approximately 4:21 PM.

Rhode Island Airport Police Sergeant Robert Nutt arrived shortly after, administered Narcan in an effort to revive the passenger, and took over chest compressions. He simultaneously requested an automated external defibrillator (AED) from the checkpoint podium. At LTSO Brady's direction, TSOs Pepler and Jacob Valenti-Ochs set up privacy screens to secure the area. The AED was applied by Sergeant Nutt with the assistance of Officers Anthony Meola and Linda Blanchard-Jackson.

Emergency medical personnel from the Warwick Fire Department and Airport Fire Department arrived on the scene at approximately 4:27 PM and took over the passenger's care the passenger was transported to a local hospital where he was stabilized eventually recovered and was released.

"Emily Brady, along with other TSA employees and our airport partners, demonstrated exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to public safety," said Federal Security Director Daniel Burche. "Their quick response and seamless collaboration with Rhode Island Airport Police and emergency services were instrumental in giving the passenger the critical care they needed. We are incredibly proud of their heroic efforts."

This incident underscores the vital role TSA personnel play not only in securing aviation but also in responding to emergencies with precision and care. TSA and PVD leadership extend their deepest gratitude to LTSO Emily Brady, her colleagues, and their law enforcement and emergency response partners for their life-saving actions.