Posted On: August 30, 2022
The traveling public expects a high degree of security when going through our nation’s airports. Safety and security are of the highest priority at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). The airport partners with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services, which includes 24-hour coverage with a K9 team—the airport has four K9 teams in all.
The K9 teams make regular rounds throughout the terminal and parking lots. And now, some of those rounds will include another furry friend—a plush toy dog in the likeness of the K9 officer.
“The K9 plush program fits perfectly with the other public relations programs we are continuously implementing at the airport to enhance community outreach and the customer experience,” said Joanne Magley who leads the airport’s Marketing & Customer Experience department.
The K9s are trained to detect explosives so if there’s an unattended bag, or TSA agents request the services of the K9, these working dogs get working!
“The dogs assigned out to the airport usually are greeted by the traveling public with a lot of friendly people wanting to come up and pet them, however, being working dogs we don’t allow the general public to typically pet the k9s, simply because they have a job to do,” said VSO Sr. Deputy Brad Yackel.
Airport and VSO leadership launched the new program to help travelers not be intimidated by law enforcement at the airport. Now, when the K9 team is walking the airport, another deputy may accompany them on one of the rounds to hand out the plush dogs to any passenger who looks like they could use one.
“The deputies are here to help if anyone needs any assistance, the dogs are here to protect travelers, and this program is a way to help deputies interact with travelers a little more,” said VSO Sr. Deputy Joe Durney.
“DAB is the gateway for locals and guests to experience the beauty of the Daytona Beach area. While the airport is a building where people get processed for air travel and wait until they leave for their destination, everyone who works at the airport can enhance that wait and make a positive difference in the travel journey. That's why a positive customer experience is at the heart of everything we do,” said Magley.
This new program is now part of everyday operations for law enforcement deputies at Daytona Beach International Airport.
For more information about DAB, visit www.flyDAB.com.