PTI’s explosive detection K9 Nico and his handler, Officer Justin Cook, were among an elite group of eight TSA law enforcement teams chosen to support security efforts at the 60th Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Officer Cook and K9 Nico worked alongside the D.C. Metro Transit Police Department, assisting with security measures at various metro stops throughout the city. Their presence played a key role in ensuring the safety of travelers and maintaining secure transit operations during the historic event.
K9 teams like Nico’s are specially trained to detect potential threats in high-traffic areas, making them a crucial component of major event security. Their selection for this mission highlights the dedication and expertise of the PTI Airport’s law enforcement team in protecting the public at both the local and national levels.
TSA has more than 1,000 canine handler teams, which work at airports, mass transit facilities, and maritime transportation locations across the United States. Canines and their handlers undergo several months of intensive training at the TSA’s National Explosives Detection Canine Training Center in San Antonio, Texas. Officer Cook and Nico were 1 of 8 K9 explosive detection teams selected from 200 K9 detection teams around the U.S.
Congratulations to Officer Cook and Nico!
