Five years ago, after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, a group of horseback-riding volunteers were put together by Houston Airport System’s director Rick Vacar. Their mission was simple: act as the airport system’s eyes and ears on the more than 11,000-acre-wide Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Since then the membership of this unique, civilian-staffed patrol unit has grown to more than 750 volunteers. To most they’re a battalion of courageous and committed local citizens that do not take lightly the potential threat of unusual activities on airport property, hence their name: the Airport Rangers. This week, for their role in airport security and passenger safety, the Airport Rangers were honored by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International. Vacar; his deputy director of public safety, Mark Mancuso; and David Poynor, the Houston program’s coordinator, each received an award for their visionary leadership.

This year, the Airport Rangers were honored by ASIS International.

“Airport security is not exclusive to new technologies and state-of-the-art machinery,” said Vacar upon receiving his award. “At IAH we’ve found a way to make the community a part of the process – sometimes there’s no better way to keep an eye on your perimeter than to have a human being out there.”

ASIS International, with more than 33,000 members, is the largest international organization for professionals responsible for security, including managers and directors of security. Their mission is to increase the effectiveness and productivity of security practices by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security concerns.

Each gathering, the organization recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the security industry. This year, for the first time, ASIS decided to honor security programs that have had a significant impact on the industry.

“The Airport Rangers program is such a visionary approach to airport security that we thought it only fitting to debut this new awards category with the recognition of those individuals that have made it possible,” said Greg Walker, president of the Houston chapter of ASIS International.

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