Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) announced May 23, a new addition to its family: an explosives detection K-9 named “Beamer.”
Gainesville Alachua County Regional Aviation Authority Chairman Bob Page and CEO Allan Penksa welcomed a crowd of well-wishers at a ceremony held May 23, at GNV, welcoming the female yellow Labrador retriever, who along with her handler, Jason Berger, successfully completed all requirements to be the airport’s new explosive detection team.
“Together, Beamer and Jason will add an extra layer of security at our airport,” Penksa said. “We are thrilled to welcome such a bright and beautiful member to our airport family.”
Beamer and Berger, GNV’s Security Coordinator and K-9 Handler are certified in the detection of Homemade and Large Explosives. In addition, Beamer received her certification from the American Detection Canine Association.
Beamer was named for Todd Beamer, who led a takeover by passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, the fourth plane to go down in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in Shanksville, Penn. Mr. Beamer and others are credited with foiling the 9-11 hijackers from crashing their Boeing 757 into what could have been a second target in Washington, D.C., either the Capitol or the White House. Todd Beamer had a 13-minute conversation with a telephone operator as the tragic events unfolded. His last words heard by her were, “Let’s Roll.”
Inspired by the story, Mr. Berger, GNV’s Security Coordinator and K-9 Handler (Explosives), wished to name the GNV K-9 dog after Todd Beamer. GNV sought permission from Todd’s widow, Lisa Beamer, to both name Beamer for her husband, and have “Let’s Roll” embroidered on Beamer’s vest.
Beamer’s response was, “Our family loves dogs and is honored to know that your new bomb-sniffing dog in Gainesville will be named Beamer. We hope the training goes well!”
Beamer’s training did indeed go well. She graduated at the top of her class at Southern Coast K-9 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and has been learning the ropes at GNV since mid-April.
Today’s ceremony attendees were treated to a special new menu item at GNV, a “Beamer Berger” slider hamburger, as well as special “Meet Beamer” souvenir cards, featuring her picture, her story and the security reminder, “If you see something, say something.” Mr. Berger says the cards are a customary giveaway to the general public amongst K-9 handlers.
Beamer was made possible in part by a 50-50 grant by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). In addition to her airport duties, she and Jason work and train closely with law enforcement teams in the Gainesville area, including the Gainesville Police Department and University of Florida K-9 teams.
Beamer loves to play with both her GNV and handler’s family when she is off duty.
