SRQ airport adds tactical security after attacks

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Wearing a bulletproof tactical vest and armed with a loaded rifle, Edward Kish is a big imposing figure patrolling the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).

It's his role to be a quick responder if a terrorist-style attack were to happen at the small airport.

"I've had people say 'really, Sarasota?' 'I'll say 'yes, why not?' Any target can be a soft target, hard target, whatever. It doesn't matter. I don't think the terrorist care which target they do," Kish said.

Following the San Bernardino shooting, SRQ upped its security substantially, adding things like shatter-resistant film to the windows, additional barricades and a tactical officer.

The police department was also recently awarded accreditation from the state, which is considered the gold standard of law enforcement.

"You don't want to alarm people, but at the same time, you want them to feel safe," said SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo.

"I think we're going to see more [terrorist attacks] before it gets better, and we can stop it. You have to be prepared. You just can't be reactive," said SRQ Police Chief James Carlino.

Some passengers say the extra security puts them at ease.

"I don't think you can have overkill. Unfortunately, it's what we have to do," said traveler Kevin Englund.