Driver potentially saves lives at MacDill

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  What would your immediate response be if some form of suspicious activity came to your attention?

Would you get away from the scene as quickly as possible? Pretend as if you didn't see anything and continue life as usual? Or would you quickly take action and report it to the proper authorities?

Fortunately, one particular individual, Peter G. Himes, a Hillsborough County taxi driver, took it upon himself to prevent a potential threat from ever reaching his requested destination-- the gates of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

According to the police report, Himes' passenger displayed unstable behavior and made comments such as "on a mission" and "take care of a few people."

After witnessing suspicious behavior and overhearing disturbing comments from his passenger, Himes quickly took action by triggering a silent alarm, sending a signal to dispatchers which alerted the Tampa Police Department (TPD).

Himes said that one of his first thoughts was the need to stop the car before reaching the gates. "I would rather overreact and be wrong, than do nothing and something happens."

Shortly after informing the local authorities, TPD pulled over the cab and apprehended the passenger for questioning.

For his quick action Himes received the Citizen's Award from Jane Castor, Tampa Police Chief, in a ceremony on July 9, 2013. Col. Peter Santa Ana, commander of the 6th Mission Support Group, also presented Himes with a certificate and commander's coin to express the installation's gratitude.

"Himes' actions were very much appreciated," said Santa Ana. "Because of it the local and MacDill communities were saved."

"I'm very humbled," said Himes after receiving his awards. "I'm just a driver who reacted like he was taught to do."

(Editor's note: Everyone is encouraged to stay alert whether at home, work or even while driving. Always keep an eagle eye out for suspicious behaviors. The Eagle Eyes program is an anti-terrorism initiative that enlists the eyes and ears of Air Force members and citizens in the local community against the war on terror. If you observe any suspicious activity, anytime during the day or night, you can call the MacDill AFB Defense Operations Center at 813-828-3322. For additional information contact Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 340 at (813) 828-4921, or email AFOSIDet340.cc@ogn.af.mil. However, any reporting of actual activity should go through the 6th Security Forces Squadron at 813-828-6322).