Indianapolis News and HeadlinesIndianapolis Local NewsIndianapolis

Actions

TSA K-9 at Indianapolis International Airport is named in honor of 9-11 victim

Posted at 4:28 PM, Sep 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-11 23:35:32-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- TSA K-9 Howard spends the day sniffing for explosives at the Indianapolis International Airport, but his name has an even bigger meaning than his job. 

The 10-year-old K-9 who joined the TSA in 2011 is named after New York City Port Authority Police Officer George Howard.

READ | TSA K-9s keep you safe at the Indy Airport | TSA K-9s get special training

George died trying to save lives at ground zero, on September 11, 2001. 

“I will carry this, it is a police shield of a man named George Howard, who died at the World Trade Center trying to save others.”

“I get to help carry on the legacy of an American hero.”

This past summer, K-9 Howard and his handler, Wendell Hart, went got to meet George's son - who is now a New York City Firefighter – and spend time at ground zero.

WATCH | TSA K-9 snores away afterlongday of keeping you safe

“To see him there and have Chris Howard there, and I was there, it was very emotional,” said Hart. “Other than just being a cute dog, other than having a job and trying to keep the country safe – he’s carrying on a legacy.”

MORE TOP STORIES | FDA inspection finds 'insanitaryconditions' at Monat manufacturing facilityIndy mother says she won't pay funeral home until she gets her son's ashesRoad work to shut down sections of I-465 until early October | IMPD officer under investigation, video shows her carrying shotgun & spraying tear gas at people | Mother arrested after 2-year-old son left in hot car outside Delaware County apartment complex

Top Trending Videos