July 2025 Employee of the Month: TSA officer’s translation skills help a passenger make her flight
One day, while working at MIA’s Concourse D baggage system, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officer Henry Fang learned about a passenger at TSA checkpoint 4 who had lost her passport and spoke only Mandarin. Although she was traveling with an English-speaking friend, the Department of Homeland Security’s Verification Center couldn’t accept the friend as a valid translator.
Fang, who speaks Cantonese and some Mandarin, immediately assisted the traveler when he heard about the situation. The verification center accepted him as a translator, which allowed him to ask the passenger the necessary questions and convey her answers.
The passenger was understandably concerned about missing her flight, but Fang's friendly demeanor and cheerful attitude helped to put her at ease. Once Homeland Security confirmed the passenger’s identity, she was allowed to complete the screening process with no issues. His initiative and quick actions helped the passenger make her flight and eased her worries as well. To top it off, he personally escorted her to her gate to make sure she didn't have any more problems.
Your language skills, core values, and dedication to the traveling public turned a challenging situation into a tremendous success. Thank you, Henry, for saving the day.
Because of his outstanding dedication and compassion for a passenger in need, Fang was named MIA’s July 2025 Employee of the Month.
Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $14 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $212 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.
To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-869-1859 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).