Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 1, 2011

TSA Administrator addresses Metro Transit Police Department graduates


14 officers join Metro’s police force

TSA Administrator John Pistole and MTPD Chief Michael A. Taborn Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John S. Pistole addressed the graduates of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) Class 92, emphasizing the important partnership between Metro and the TSA.

“TSA’s partnership with the Metro Transit Police Department is critical,” said Pistole, who congratulated the recruits. “Today’s graduates will join the first line of defense that keeps the capitol region’s transportation systems secure.”

Pistole became the TSA Administrator in 2010 and oversees security for mass transit systems, airports, railroads, ports and pipelines. Prior to his appointment at TSA, Pistole served as the deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The 26-year FBI veteran led or participated in several high profile investigations during his career, including the attempted Times Square car bombing in May 2010 and plot against New York City subways in 2009.

“We are very proud of the current class of recruits who, as fully sworn Metro Transit Police officers, have taken the oath to protect our customers, employees and facilities,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Michael A. Taborn. “We welcome them to our ranks and look forward to serving alongside them as we work together to safeguard the Metro system.”

The MTPD graduating class includes officers Jason Abdeljabbar of Fairfax, Va., Wesley E. Allen Jr. of Germantown, Md., Adrian Ashford of College Park, Md., Clarence E. Ballard of Reston, Va., Marcus Broadnax of Laurel, Md., Rodger H. Buckle of Manassas, Va., David Burpoe of Arlington, Va., Roger M. Cardoso of College Park, Md., Richard S. Curren of Alexandria, Va., Angel M. Martines of Gaithersburg, Md., Adam Nicholson of Temple Hills, Md., Alex R. Rodas Jr. of Silver Spring, Md., Patrick Sweeney of Glen Burnie, Md., and Aaric D. Wright of Wheaton, Md.

To become members of the MTPD the officer recruits completed 37 weeks of training learning the rules, regulations and laws governing the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. MTPD officers have tri-state jurisdiction with responsibility for a variety of law enforcement and public safety functions on the Metrorail and Metrobus systems. The department has an authorized strength of 449 sworn police officers. The MTPD will mark its 35th anniversary in June.

News release issued at 12:32 pm, April 1, 2011.