LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE OFFICER KELLY WASHINGTON RECOGNIZED BY ELKS LODGE OF WESTCHESTER

         (Los Angeles, California – March 14, 2012)  Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Kelly Washington, a 14-year veteran assigned to the Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis Unit (VAAU) since 2001, was recognized during the Westchester Elks Lodge’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on March 13.

            Officer Washington, who has been a City of Los Angeles employee for 24 years, began his career with Los Angeles Airport Police in 1998 and promoted to Field Training Officer in 2000.  In 2001, he was appointed to the VAAU (then known as the Airport Security Coordination Unit), a division of the Los Angeles Airport Police’s Office of Homeland Security and Intelligence, and is assigned to cargo facilities.  His knowledge of the Airport Security Program, Code of Federal Regulations and Los Angeles International Airport’s rules and regulations has allowed him toserve as the VAAU’s lead instructor in LAWA’s Vehicle Inspection Training and Escort Policy Training classes.  He continuously conducts training classes and briefings for Airport Police, airlines and tenants to ensure the safest environment possible for all those working at LAX. 

He has also been instrumental in the assessment and implementation of the Transportation Security Administration Cargo security measuresin addition to developing the first-ever Cargo Task Force, which is now a multi-agency cargo security program adopted at other airports nationwide.  He currently oversees the program at LAX. 

Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Michael T. Hyams, who spoke during the ceremony, said, “ Officer Washington is the type of officer who all police chiefs want. He is a leader, reliable and an expert in what he does.  I can trust him to make good decisions in difficult situations.  He is a problem-solver, not a problem-creator.  We are all fortunate to have Kelly on our team.”

Sergeant Jorge Montenegro, who supervised Officer Washington while at VAAU, said, “Officer Washington serves the LAX community without waver or question.  He responds to and addresses matters immediately and finds out what’s necessary to know if he doesn’t already have the answers.” 

“His knowledge and ability to learn the jobs of his peers, as well as his leadership skills, have allowed him to serve as Acting Officer in Charge when supervision is not available,” said Sergeant Anthony Boisselle, a former VAAU supervisor.  

            Los Angeles Airport Police is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County with more than 1,100 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, and Van Nuys (general aviation).