DIA Manager Tried To 'Minimize' Security Breach
DENVER (CBS4)- A new string of emails from Denver International Airport Manager of Aviation Kim Day indicates DIA administrators actively tried to 'minimize' a security breach by Mayoral Appointee Heather Barry.
TSA employees stopped Barry Feb. 3 after she bypassed security checkpoints by using an employee portal as she attempted to get to a flight. The employee portals do not have metal detectors and other security measures and are only to be used by DIA employees on official business within the airport.
Barry, DIA's Director of Government Affairs and External Relations, was with her daughter and was on personal business. She and her daughter were stopped, and made to go through security before being allowed to board their plane.
As a result of the security breach, Barry's airport badge and DIA clearance were suspended for six months. After CBS4 began inquiring about the security breach, Barry apologized and indicated she would accept her punishment.
CBS4 has obtained a series of emails between Barry and Aviation Manager Kim Day from February 14. After receiving an email from Barry, Day messaged her subordinate back urging her to "Hang in there!!!!"
Two minutes later Barry replied,"This is tough KD."
Day then responded, "I know. I have been lambasted on the front of the post for being unethical when I know I was ethical. Just hang in there, and we will get thru it. You have a crackerjack communications team along with Eric and me who are all working to minimize this. Lay low, and next week we will celebrate with a drink that it has passed."
Day emailed Barry again a few minutes later suggesting,"It's Valentines! Go have chocolate. It ALWAYS makes me feel better."
The emails were obtained by CBS4 under Colorado's Open Records Act.
Airport officials say Heather Barry will continue to work on DIA business but at a non- airport location until her six month suspension is over.
- Written by Brian Maass for CBSDenver.com
