causes. Officer Fonseca joined the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in June of 2012, assigned as the Regional Canine Training Instructor at DTW. His military career began in May of 1994, when he joined the United States Air Force as a Security Policeman / Law Enforcement Officer / Military Working Dog (MWD) Handler. Gene began his K9 career as a Patrol Explosives Detector Dogs (PEDD) handler at RAF Lakenheath and Barsdale AFB, where he supported numerous PEDD missions in support of the United Stated Secret Service and the Department of State. In 1999, Gene became a MWD trainer at Prince Sultan Air Base, KSA, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Later that year he became MWD trainer at Cairo West AB, Egypt in support of Operation Bright Star. Mr. Fonseca was also a Kennel Master at Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he was responsible for deploying numerous PEDDs to Iraqi Freedom. During that timeframe he was also deployed with two PEDDs from the kennels to Camp Snoopy, Doha Qatar supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. On arrival to Aviano Air Base, Italy in 2003. Gene was initially assigned a PEDD, after six months he became MWD Trainer for 14 MWDs and held that position until 2008. Positions held in his military career include Patrol Explosive Detector Dog Handler, MWD Trainer, Kennel Master and Law Enforcement Flight Chief. After serving 14 years of honorable service he separated from active duty at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Prior to joining the TSA, Mr. Fonseca was a civilian contractor for Northrop Grumman LLC from September 2008 to May of 2012 assigned to the 64th Security Forces Squadron, Eskan Village, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as MWD Trainer for 6 assigned PEDDs.
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