Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Barni, a five-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer and explosives detection canine at San Francisco International Airport, has been crowned the winner of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 2024 Cutest Canine Contest. TSA held its annual nationwide social media contest last week, inviting the public to vote on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook for the agency’s “cutest canine” among four finalists. TSA canine handlers from airports and enforcement teams nationwide nominated candidates, which were then shortlisted by TSA employees from an original pool of 87 adorable contenders to the final four.
“Our explosives detection canines and their handlers are an essential component of TSA’s multi-layered approach to security,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “I look forward to this contest every year, and the friendly competition among airports and then with the public is a great way to recognize their work to secure our transportation systems and keep the traveling public safe.” Barni’s victory earns him a spot on the front cover of TSA’s 2025 Canine Calendar, set for release in December.
This annual contest is part of the agency’s celebration of National Dog Day, highlighting the crucial role that TSA’s hardworking canines play in safeguarding the nation’s transportation systems. A passenger screening canine (PSC), Barni, works alongside his handler, Michelle Cogel, at San Francisco International Airport, providing critical explosives detection capabilities. Michelle has been with TSA for six years, with the past three years dedicated to being a canine handler.
Barni is known for his strong work ethic and high energy, which he channels into detecting traces of explosives. At the airport, Barni is all business, but at home, he’s a playful and lovable goofball, enjoying games of fetch and chasing squirrels to keep fit. TSA employs canines like Barni across the country as part of its security operations.
These specially trained teams skillfully navigate crowded areas to detect explosive odors, even from moving sources. Handlers are trained to recognize subtle changes in their canine’s behavior that indicate the presence of explosives. If a canine alerts its handler, TSA follows established procedures to resolve the alarm, making these canines a vital part of the nation’s security.
TSA’s canine program boasts over 1,000 teams trained at the national Canine Training Center in San Antonio, Texas. The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, initially established by the Federal Aviation Administration in 1972, was transferred to TSA following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. TSA began using explosives detection canines for air cargo screening in March 2008, expanding to passenger screening in 2011.
When these dedicated canines are on duty at airports, they should not be petted as they are focused on their critical security tasks. Congratulations to the other three finalists:.
