No paychecks, but Lexington TSA employees get gifts of appreciation

Amid the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, Transportation Security Administration employees at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington have received appreciation sweets and lunches.

Government workers, including TSA agents, are doing their jobs without paychecks because of the shutdown that began Dec. 22.

Some airports throughout the country are experiencing longer security wait times because of a shortage of TSA officers. Nationally, 7.6 percent of TSA employees had unscheduled absences Monday, compared to a 3.2 percent one year ago, according to the TSA Media Team.

But operations were running smoothly at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport where waits for security checks have not changed noticeably, according to spokesperson Amy Caudill.

Meanwhile, donations have arrived. In recent weeks, the TSA officers have been treated to cupcakes, doughnuts and pizza provided Tuesday by Father Jim Sichko.

“It’s kind of overwhelming, all of the items we have received,” TSA Supervisor Benjamin Kelly said, adding employees are grateful for the unexpected treats.

Sichko — a Catholic priest who in December gave 100 Trek bicycles and helmets to second-graders at Corbin’s Hunter Hills Elementary School — took a dozen Donatos pizzas to TSA workers and air traffic controllers.

A frequent traveler, Sichko said he considers the TSA officers his friends.

“They keep us safe in the airways and byways,” Sichko said. “I know many of them are struggling right now with the government shutdown, so I thought it was important to show some kindness and appreciation to them for their service to those of whose lives are traveling.”

Also on Tuesday, airport staff put on a barbecue luncheon for TSA, air traffic controllers and U.S. Customs officers, all of whom were affected by the shutdown.

Caudill said all three organizations are vital for the operations of the airport.

“All of these groups do so much to keep the traveling public safe; we are very appreciative of what they do,” she said.

Kelly, who has been a TSA employee for 11 years, said he and his co-workers are rallying behind one another.

“We have kind of pulled together,” he said. “We’re trying to remain very positive. We still come into work and just do our job.”

This story was originally published January 15, 2019 at 2:39 PM.