Alabama STSO acts swiftly when live ammo discharged in burning house

Friday, July 12, 2024

TSA Supervisory Officer Tracy Mize made an unexpected and abrupt stop on his way home from his p.m. shift at Alabama's Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) when he saw smoke and flames spiraling out of the back of a familiar wood frame home.

"Tracy has a knack of stepping in when situations are beginning to spin out of control," said Lower Alabama Airports TSA Manager Lee Butler, who wasn't surprised to hear of Mize's immediate decision to pull over and investigate.

In his haste to help, Mize jumped from his truck before he thought to turn off the ignition.

"The Bluetooth was still connected when I exited my truck," said Mize. "I had to quickly disconnect my phone from the truck so the 911 operator could hear me."

After placing the emergency call, Mize made the proper notifications while protecting bystanders from getting too close to the house.
"Tracy's calming influence and leadership have served him well, both in his career at TSA and outside of the job," said Butler.

About 10 minutes into the wait for emergency assistance, Mize heard a popping noise that he interpreted to be rounds of ammunition igniting.

"As a first sergeant in the U.S. Army, I was qualified in weapons marksmanship with tours in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Mize. "I know what rounds sound like when they detonate. I knew it wasn't popcorn popping or soup cans opening."

His 22 years of military experience told him what to do next.

Mobile Regional Airport TSA Supervisory Officer Tracy Mize (TSA MOB photo)

"As the rounds started to go off, my mind started racing," remembered Mize. "My first reactions were to take cover, ensure the safety of others arriving on the scene and inform the first responders about the ammunition."

Mize briefed the fire chief and sheriff's deputies of his suspicions before they arrived on the scene and directed traffic away from the area, allowing a clear path for emergency personnel. He continued traffic control throughout the incident while keeping calm and preventing panic among the bystanders.

"I also informed the chief that I did not think anyone was home at the time based off my daily observation of the house," said Mize.

Grand Bay Fire District Chief Richie Dodge responded to the fire and remembered the professional way Mize handled the incident.

"He was calm and collected, and I felt he must have had training or experience," recalled Dodge.

A uniformed TSA officer for 18 years, Mize wouldn't think of passing the scene without stopping to offer help.

"That wouldn't be me," said Mize. "I feel like I have an obligation to give back something of what the military and TSA has given me."

The burnt home was a complete loss, but Mize's involvement protected bystanders and helped first responders.

"Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it," said Alabama Assistant Federal Security Director-Generalist Lashandra Toney. "Tracy's bravery during the house fire embodies his true leadership on and off duty and inspires us all to never back down in the face of adversity. That is who Supervisory Officer Tracy Mize is."

By Karen Robicheaux, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs