LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE OFFICER THOMAS DYE RECEIVES COMMENDATIONS FOR ESTABLISHING HONOR GUARD DETAIL FOR RETURN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS

(Los Angeles, California – March 10, 2010)  Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Thomas Dye of the Patrol Services Section was recently commended for his efforts to establish the Los Angeles Airport Police Honor Guard Detail for the return of fallen soldiers.  He was honored in early March during the Westchester Elks Lodge’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Night.  Officer Dye, a seven-year veteran of Los Angeles Airport Police, also received a commendation from Los Angeles Airport Police Chief George R. Centeno, recognizing Dye’s efforts before the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners.

            The Los Angeles Airport Police Honor Guard Detail began in May 2005, following the loss of Airport Police Officer Tommy Edward Scott, the first Airport Police officer to die in the line of duty.  Relying on his prior training as a U.S. Navy master chief petty officer, Dye organized and trained fellow officers to provide an Airport Police Honor Guard for Officer Scott’s funeral services. 

            Soon afterward, with remains of U.S. soldiers killed while serving in the Middle East conflicts and at other locations around the world arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Officer Dye received authorization from Airport Police senior command to coordinate with the airlines at LAX to provide the Honor Guard Detail’s uniformed field-side honors and escorts for the dignified arrival of the remains of fallen servicemen and women.

            Officer Dye organized and trained the Honor Guard Detail in the disciplines and protocols of a military detail in order to be sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Defense to  perform these honors at LAX.    

Airport Police Chief Centeno said, “Officer Dye has provided support and given a sense of honor and dignity to the families, who otherwise would have received the remains of their loved ones without ceremony.  His actions have brought recognition, respect and gratitude from several branches of the armed forces, as well as the gratitude of the families of the servicemen and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country.”  The chief added, “Officer Dye’s leadership in the development of the Honor Guard Detail speaks volumes to our core values, service before self, and respect for people.  Los Angeles Airport Police appreciates and respects the hard work and dedication exemplified by Officer Dye.” 

            Los Angeles Airport Police is the fourth largest law enforcement agency inLos AngelesCounty, with more than 1,200 law enforcement, security and staff personnel.  Los Angeles Airport Police is a division of Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that owns and

operates three airports in Southern California:  LAX, LA/Ontario International (ONT), and Van Nuys (general aviation).