Remembering Supervisory TSS-E & InfraGard Louisiana Board Member Billy Booth
Ladies, Gentlemen, and Fellow InfraGard Louisiana Members,
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my Dear Friend and InfraGard Louisiana Board Member, Billy Booth. Billy has been part of our LMR Port Security Workgroup (Facility Security Officers) since its inception in 2006, along with being an InfraGard Louisiana Member, and most recently an InfraGard Louisiana Board Member (2019-Present). One of the most knowledgeable Bomb Techs in the Country, along with being one of the more unselfish people I know, Billy has voluntarily conducted many (no cost) explosive awareness presentations and Explosive Training Events for our InfraGard Louisiana and LMR Port Security Workgroup Membership, and He will be sadly missed. Note: Billy also served as an InfraGard Louisiana Sector Chief for Our Government Facilities Sector.
On a final note, I’m borrowing the following quote from Capt. Kirk: “Of my Friend, I can only say this. Of all the Souls I have encountered in my travels, His was the most Human. Rest In Peace My Friend. I Hope to see You again at the end of my Journeys, or I’ll definitely know I’m in the wrong place.
Best Regards / God Bless,
Lester Millet III, President InfraGard Louisiana
Please See Below For DHS TSA Tribute To Billy:
Remembering Supervisory TSS-E Billy Booth
TSA and the state of Louisiana lost a great friend and ambassador on December 26, 2020 due to COVID-19. Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives (TSS-E) Billy B. Booth was born in Mississippi, but was a true Louisianan. After Billy’s U. S. Army service as a Hazardous Explosives Device and Specialized Explosive officer, Billy began his career with the New Orleans Police Department circa 1967 and was assigned to the NOPD’s Third District that included, at the time, Lakeview, City Park, Gentilly and Lakefront areas. While assigned to the Third District, Billy was assigned to the Communications Division and the Emergency Division as an EMT and Bomb Squad Technician.
Billy then joined the Louisiana State Police, Troop B continuing his work as an explosives specialist and later, Billy was assigned to the Executive Protection Unit where he was a member of the protection detail for then-Lt. Governor Jimmy Fitzmorris.
After leaving the Louisiana State Police, Billy worked for Freeport McMoRan. During his tenure there, Billy provided Executive Protection to McMoRan’s upper management and finished his tenure with Freeport McMoRan at their Indonesian Facility.
9-11 happened – Billy felt it was his duty to serve. With his security and law enforcement background, Billy was a perfect fit for TSA and on July 28, 2002, became one of the original members of the Mobile Screening Force (MSF) as a Supervisory Transportation Security Screener (now Officer). As a member of the MSF, Billy was sent to the newly Federalized airports to train the new cadre of what was to become TSA’s Transportation Security Officer workforce. Billy loved his work with TSA and quickly moved through the ranks serving as a Transportation Security Manager (following one year as a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer) and Management Analyst for the Assistant Federal Security Director of Screening. Billy’s TSA career did not end there. When TSA formed its Bomb Appraisal Division, Billy was selected as one of the first Transportation Security Managers for TSA’s new Bomb Appraisal Division – a division for which he traveled the country providing training to TSA’s officers on Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) and helped groom future explosives specialists, and he stayed in the explosives division completing his tenure as a Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist – Explosives.
Billy never met a stranger. He was a quick wit and always had a story and smile for anyone with whom he came into contact. Billy was our Jack-of-All-Trades and was not afraid to share his knowledge, and due to Billy’s wide range of experience at TSA, he offered assistance to all new TSA employees – from recognizing IED parts, helpful hints for officers to perform their daily responsibilities; from WebTA to Sunflower, to purchasing; and was the “go to” person in more ways than one. Billy saw the possibilities in everyone and mentored many of TSA’s current Officers, Managers, FSD Staff, and Headquarters personnel. Billy always had your back and always ensured that the Agency was protected.
Billy will be sorely missed by his TSA family as well as his loving wife, Theresa, their children, Paul Booth, Dr. Angela Wingfield, Wayne “Barrett” Marvin, Jr., and their 14 grandchildren. Tragically, Billy and Theresa lost daughter, Shannon Maisano less than seven (7) weeks ago to cancer. Godspeed, Billy.
Best Regards / God Bless,
Lester Millet III, President InfraGard Louisiana
Lester J. Millet III, LEM
Safety Agency Risk Manager / FSO Workgroup Chairman
Port of South Louisiana
171 Belle Terre Blvd.
P.O. Box 909
LaPlace, Louisiana 70069-0909
Office: 985-536-8300
Fax: 985-479-1643
Toll Free: 1-866-536-8300
Cell: 985-210-7518
Email: lmillet@portsl.com
web: www.portsl.com
“Proud Member of InfraGard”
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Remembering-Billy-Booth.docx