Deseret News | Reader comments: Head of local TSA office is placed on leave

Reader comments
Local TSA director on leave

Ms. Shurlip - HUH? | 2:31 p.m. Jan. 29, 2009

This article is about Earl Morris of the TSA - it has nothing to do with Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. Did you post under the wrong article?

Alan | 4:53 p.m. Jan. 29, 2009

I am surprised that it has taken this long for the Government to catch up to Mr. Morris.
Does not speak well of our Government.

Darlene | 7:08 p.m. Jan. 29, 2009

Earl, we are so proud of you now!

Your friends at DPS

Comments continue below

Jh | 8:22 p.m. Jan. 29, 2009

Utah DPS has always been bloated with these type of shenanigans, guys working for the military or doing consulting work, etc and on the State payroll at the same time. Now these same people are working for the feds, so what's the big surprise? Welcome to Utah, the poster child for bad ethics.

wojo342 | 9:33 a.m. Jan. 30, 2009

Ear, what comes around goes around.

Adrian | 10:10 a.m. Jan. 30, 2009

Hang in there Earl. You have plenty of friends that know you are a good person.

B Flowers | 3:36 p.m. Jan. 30, 2009

Yep, hang in there Earl. You'll finally get what you deserve.

Maddux | 5:20 a.m. Jan. 31, 2009

Say it ain't so, corruption in Utah? Mert you may be on to something - Rick Wyss working for both TSA/DPS pleads guilty in fed court; former DPS deputy commish Verdi White resigns as TSA federal security director in Phoenix; former DPS deputy commish and federal security director Earl Morris on "approved leave"; Commish Scott Duncan resigns; assistant federal security director Dennis Crandall on "approved leave"....what's going on and what's next?

Mitch | 7:16 a.m. Jan. 31, 2009

There is a fundamental difference between Scott Duncan, Rick Wyss, Fred Swain, Brian Smith and Verdi White, that is conscience. These men had a conscience and they know what is right and wrong. Unlike Earl Morris, he has no feelings of remorse and has no feeling of rectitude or integrity. It is this lack of remorse and no moral values that got him escorted out of his TSA office by the FBI.

Sheriff Jones | 7:55 a.m. Jan. 31, 2009

"Earl Morris, Scott Duncan, Rick Wyss, Fred Swain, Brian Smith were all promoted on Bob Flowers watch."

Seems to speak highly of Bob's watch.

Tie Boy | 11:37 a.m. Jan. 31, 2009

Maybe now, TSA can drop the tie requirement....

In the know! | 7:12 p.m. Jan. 31, 2009

Earl Morris is the one of the hardest working, most honest people I know, And for all of you who don't know him or the integrity of this man, How can you say anything, He's personally done more for the UHP & TSA Than any other individual in this state- He's a fighter who will stand up against the Federal Gov't and win this case.. So attack the Feds, (who are wasting our tax dollars to fight this case) Before you attack a man who has simply bust his butt to get where he is, he had nothing to gain by letting Wyss work 2 jobs- Think about it! A MAJOR loss for all of TSA!! Best wishes to you Earl!

Judy | 8:25 p.m. Jan. 31, 2009

"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time."
--Abraham Lincoln

Sherrif Jones | 11:07 a.m. Feb. 1, 2009

Yes you can fool some of the people but it's hard to fool the auditors. Time will tell and past performance is the best indicator of future behavior. Based on that I'm concerned for Earl.

Anonymous | 11:19 a.m. Feb. 1, 2009

Sheriff Jones.. Don't be jealous Earl went from a city cop to Deputy commisioner- National security advisor for TSA as well as SLC, not to mention one of the main people in charge of security for the olympics, that ran nearly Flawless! And your stuck as a sheriff..

Sherrif Jones | 2:45 p.m. Feb. 1, 2009

"And your stuck as a sheriff.."

Suppose you mean "you're"????

I may "stuck" as sheriff, but the FBI have not escorted me out the door of my office. Looks like I win again.

Running the Olympics | 12:06 p.m. Feb. 2, 2009

I would not give that credit to Earl. They were run by a terrific multi-agency team at UOPSC.

ICEMAN | 3:52 p.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Well I am not surprised. The level of abuse of power and authority within TSA has been going on since day one. I always believed things go full circle so it's nice to see that these guys are getting what they deserve. Perhaps further investigations are needed to see just how many people these folks have screwed over. If the public really new the truth they would be outraged. Time to fall boy's!

Corrupt | 12:35 a.m. Feb. 5, 2009

There seems to be a lot of corruption between DPS and TSA. and the feds have finally intervened for TSA. Is TSA truly this corrupt? what about the officers at the airport that actually protect us, their leadership is shattered! Does it bring them down? How does this corruptness affect our security at the airport? I hear Earl head boss for the region is in town and Ron Malin is going to be the new FSD of Utah.

Rick | 2:52 a.m. Feb. 7, 2009

Earl is a man of integrity and honor. And to all that know him personally, It will remain that way!
He is more competent and courageous than any of you put together that are pointing fingers.
He has been a hard worker and great leader for TSA.
One man ONLY caused this mess.......
Judge NOT lest YE be JUDGED!!
I know....I was there...

IceMan | 7:07 p.m. Feb. 12, 2009

To be honest about Airport Security the men and woman that work the checkpoints have never once waivered from their commitment of protecting the United States and its people as well as the millions of foreign passengers that pass through our checkpoints every day. The Officers the ones at the bottom of all this have great commitment and have struggled under the leadership and corruption for a very long time yet they stand strong committed and un altered your safety is protected by this proud men and woman. As far as Morris and the rest of their clan they are all in it very deep and only time will show the truth and depth of their corruption. Perhaps Rick and the others should start handing out apologies to all they have screwed over in the past. Or for myself I will just sit back and enjoy the show watching the mighty fall. And know I can stand proud that I never wavered from the truth and honor of Federal Service nor fell victim to the lies and intimidation set by men like Morris.

Rosco | 3:27 p.m. March 13, 2009

Mr. Earl Morris has been a dedicated public servant for his entire adult life - he epitomizes "service before self" and all those who would try in vain to kick him when he is down,(as some of you would assume) may be familiar with the words 'et tu Brute?" Mr. Morris will overcome the situation that for the most part none of you have any idea what it is all about. Hang in their Earl - those who really know you wait patiently along with you and your family and know that things will turn out just fine for you. Best wishes!

Vern | 11:01 a.m. March 14, 2009

Why are many of you assuming Earl Morris is guilty of wrong doing by associating him with Richard Wyss, a guilty man? Please use your heads for more than a hat rack. Earl Morris is innocent until proven guilty.

Thankful for the fools | 11:25 a.m. March 22, 2009

I know Earl. I know him to be an honest, hardworking man. This forum has, for the most part, proven; that no good deed ever goes unpunished. One thing I also find interesting is that no one here has been able to say exactly what illegal behavior Earl participated in. Having a successful career? Being friends with Rick Wyss? Being a Mormon? Sounds like the rallying cry of the jealous, the ignorant, and the bigot. I know Earl, and he will overcome all of this
"Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed."
-Mark Twain-

A Friend | 3:21 p.m. April 15, 2009

Obviously many of you dont really know Earl He is one of the most honest men that I have ever known. Seems funny that even now, TSA has not been able to fire him. Probably because everyone who knows what they are talking about knows that Earl was never Ricks boss. How could he be considered accountable for Ricks actions? In fact; who was Ricks boss? Who was Rick sending in his time sheets to? Who wasnt really paying attention?.... Did someone say, Office of Special Counsel? And why is it that OSC had access to the investigators that came after Earl? Looks like someone in D.C doesnt want mud on their face.

thinking | 6:33 p.m. June 2, 2009

all of you definding Earl need to be told that here at slc airport his job is now open and posted on usa jobs, if he did not do anything wrong why is he no longer fsd at the airport?

dim bulb | 12:20 p.m. June 11, 2009

Not only is his job posted, but his office was just cleaned out.

Anonymous | 9:43 a.m. June 12, 2009

I've known Earl Morris since childhood he is one of the most honerable men I know. In the end when this goes through the Courts I'm confident that his name will cleared of any wrong doing.

Anonymous | 1:48 p.m. June 17, 2009

Is there more? What was the connection to Wyss? Were they friends outside of work? Was it a working relationship only? Who tipped the Feds off, Was he fired for being stupid and not recognizing what was going on right under his nose or was he a part of Wyss's corruption? There are more questions now than there were before he was officially let go. Why has no one followed up with this? I for one would like to know why we don't know these things, it is our money as taxpayers that is being used by these agencies, so much for transparency in Government. As far as the courts are concerned I am not sure that would do any good if he was fired for being stupid.

Anonymous Also | 1:39 p.m. June 19, 2009

Isn't it ironic that the person who posted about his office is the same person who is responsible for
the "anonymous" letter?
Come on.... Grow up!

Justice For All? | 1:44 p.m. June 26, 2009

If the issue seems to be that Earl should have known about Rick Wyss' activities why are Acting Federal Security Director, Ron Malin and others not under investigation? Ron was filling in for Earl while he was in Washington D.C. is he not just as responsible for knowing what Rick was up to? Who has the most to gain by Earl being gone? Why has TSA not officially told the SLC workforce that Earl has been terminated? Why was his job not posted in briefing binders like every other local position? Does Headquarters really think that if they don't tell the staff Earl is gone we won't notice? Are they afraid he will win his appeal and they will have to scramble to explain themselves? Earl you are a man of honor! You truly exemplify the TSA motto of "Innovation, Team Spirit, Integrity!" There are many dedicated TSO's and staff who come to work every day and give their best despite working in a culture of fear and chaos who miss your leadership, caring and professionalism. We support you Earl!

enlightened | 1:53 p.m. June 26, 2009

In response to dim bulb. I thought your initials DW stood for Dim Witt. I stand corrected.

Patiently Waiting | 12:43 a.m. June 28, 2009

TSA has nothing on Earl, and they know it! This whole thing is a giant head-fake to protect Francine Kerner's reputation by slandering an honest man. And, so what, if Earl knew Rick outside of work? Is Earl automaticly guilty by association? Last time I checked, that dosent make one a criminal...

Collette Carr | 2:07 p.m. June 30, 2009

I believe in Earl Morris. I have seen him stand up against storms as a prior employee of TSA (School Outreach Program) - his fight, organization, genuine loyalty to stand by his commitments and talents to maintain all roles as to which he stands is more than what many individuals would even imagine attempting and/or confronting (And with Great integrity to say the least). All aspects of business are not being told. If you have an opinion, you are entitled because it's the American way, if you have nothing optimistic to say, then you don't have the entire story. I have seen him fight for being the best which entails many levels of reaching out on his part. Good Luck "Torch" You have many who look up to you and believe in you. (I stand as one willing to NOT be anonymous..Standing proud)

Good For YOU | 4:56 p.m. June 30, 2009

Cheer, Cheer Collette!
Earl Morris does have an outpouring of people that believe in him. Thank you for having the courage to represent many who live in the culture of intimidation and fear that has permeated the federal Government, namely TSA. It is unbelievable that tax dollars would be spent on such a case as this.... Yet our U.S. Presidency's of the past were cleared of much worse and degrading actions. And IT WAS true!!
Shame on the Department of Homeland of Security for giving this such credence. A man SHOULD have known what Rick Wyss was doing? What about the original group who KNEW and framed Earl because THEY knew that Earl was coming back from Washington D.C.
Could it be they wanted him GONE? Could it be possible they have applied for his JOB?

Amen Go Earl | 10:54 a.m. July 1, 2009

Collette,it is great to hear from you. I too say good for you! I see you are as feisty as ever. I agree with the comment above. Isn't it sad that Collette has to speak for those of us who are afraid of losing our jobs? I have noticed that the last several comments have been in support of Earl. Obviously in the 6 months since this article was written there is still interest in this story. The final chapter has not been written. For those of you who support Earl I would suggest you respond to this blog with a simple but powerful Amen, Go Earl.

AMEN,GO EARL

Judy | 9:31 a.m. July 4, 2009

I am glad to see that Earl finally found a couple of people to say some good things for him (it only took 6 months)
You "go earl" right out the door.

waiting patiently | 1:02 p.m. July 7, 2009

I sent a good comment yesterday. I have heard that many good comments have been sent regarding Earl Morris. Do you edit those out in order to destroy a man? Perhaps other media would like to know this.... Waiting for it to be published.

Persistent Friend | 1:17 p.m. July 10, 2009

In response to waiting patiently. You will be waiting for a very long time unless you call and complain that your comment was not posted. I am surprised that your comment was posted. This will be my 5th attempt at posting a positive comment. The procedure is that you have to call and complain that your comment wasn't posted and then it will be. They will try to blame the person who reads the comments but that excuse is getting old. What is the Deseret News afraid of? Why won't they allow positive comments about Earl?

good one | 1:46 p.m. July 15, 2009

I think it's funny how Earl posts all these great comments about himself and then pretends it's not from him. Tragic, but funny.

Judy | 1:14 p.m. July 16, 2009

I have never had a problem with the postings on this article or any other. Maybe it's just that the paper knows Earl like the rest of us.
Once again you "go Earl" right out the door.

Wondering | 4:01 a.m. July 28, 2009

I wonder why the TSA Ombudsman's office was in town investigating last week. Any ideas Ron?

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