Dick Suekawa Was Vacationing In Colorado

The TSA says Federal Security Director Dick Suekawa was killed in a car accident Wednesday night while vacationing in Colorado.
 
"Dick was an integral part of the TSA organization as the lead in creating the TSA office at Indianapolis International Airport (IND)," said Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for TSA. "He dedicated himself to partnering with the aviation stakeholders and the traveling public to ensure safety and security."

"His excellent leadership and character represented the best of the TSA, and he was committed to the agency's core values of integrity, innovation and teamwork," Hawley continued. "His death is a great loss and will be felt by TSA staff members and stakeholders across the nation."

Suekawa was named the FSD for IND in July 2002. Previously, Suekawa served with the Secret Service for more than 27 years, and was the Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Field Office. Suekawa also served on the protective details of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter and of former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson.

"The Indianapolis Airport Authority and BAA (British Airport Authority) are deeply saddened by the loss of TSA FSD Dick Suekawa," said Patrick Dooley, IND Director. "We've worked closely with Dick since the beginning of TSA's involvement with Indianapolis International. We knew him as a true law enforcement professional who took his responsibilities very seriously and considered him a colleague and a very close friend."

"The partnership between BAA and TSA is of great value to our airport due in large part to our collective first priority of airport security. Dick will be sorely missed," said Dooley.

FMI: www.tsa.gov