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Fergerson Funeral Home Becomes New York State’s First Funeral Home Based CCSF

Our member, Pat Fergerson, of Fergerson Funeral Home, wanted to share this important news with our members, and our site visitors alike. This is BIG, Pat! Congratulations.

Alfred E. Fergerson, President of Fergerson Funeral Home, announced today that his funeral home was recently certified by the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to screen cargo that will be placed on domestic passenger aircraft.  As operators of a Certified Cargo Screening Facility, the Fergersons are addressing a unique niche in the security chain.  Fred, Pat and Bill Fergerson are licensed funeral directors, have gone through the federal security clearances, have completed the mandated training and inspection process and are now certified to screen cargo.  They have modified and secured a section of their funeral home to be a Designated Screening Area (DSA).

As of August 1st, the airline industry is now required by the 9/11 Act to screen 100 percent of air cargo on domestic passenger aircraft. The airlines and airport based screeners do not want the responsibility of inspecting the shipment of human remains.  The Fergersons will provide the required cargo certification to allow transport by the airlines.

To meet the mandate, TSA created the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP).  Certified facilities across the country screen cargo before it reaches the airport. CCSP facilities must be approved by TSA and adhere to strict security standards, including physical access controls, personnel security and screening of prospective employees and contractors. A secure chain of custody must be established from the screening facility to the aircraft.

The press release concludes, “We, at Fergerson Funeral Home, are pleased to be a part of the CCSP for privacy of the families we serve and for the safety of the flying public.” I’m sure they are! And, we’re proud of you, too!