Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) - Airport Division Police Officer Jerald Moody recently received the “Safe & Sound” award in Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who protect the integrity and safety of passengers through proactive communication, exemplary teamwork, courage, and effective action.     

Moody has been with the PPD for close to 33 years, serving 10 of those years at PHL. Moody maintains PHL's safety and security while stationed at Terminal F. He believes all airport employees are his coworkers in upholding passenger safety. He has a CPR/AED certificate. His work shift rotates every two weeks from the morning to night-time shift. 

“I like the atmosphere of togetherness at the airport,” said Moody. “Our community includes airport workers. I let them know that their job is respected and that they are important to PHL. We work hand in hand. We do a great job. It's the best job in the world.” 

While working, Moody demonstrates high values of transcending expectations, effectiveness, courage, and teamwork. 

In his nomination of Moody, Deputy Director of Operations & Security Chris Dougherty stated, “Officer Moody responded to a medical emergency (code yellow) at Terminal F food court a passenger chocking at approximately 1:49 PM on 9/25/23. Upon arrival on scene, the passenger stated his family member was choking on some food and, started to have a seizure and was unresponsive. The passenger entered cardiac arrest, and a fellow traveler started CPR; Angela Blizard and Officer Moody took over the CPR with compression and breath techniques that he was trained for in the Police Department. He restored the correct color to the passenger (not blue), stabilized the patient until the medics arrived, and transported the patient to the hospital for further evaluation. Without Officer Moody and the good samaritan’s timely interaction and training, the passenger likely would not have survived the incident.” 

Moody is humble and did not expect to be recognized for saving a passenger’s life. “I was just happy that this man could live on from that experience,” said Moody. “I was just happy that by God’s grace, I was there to be able to perform what I’ve been taught to do effectively.” 

Before joining PHL, Moody served the 14th district, where he emphasized the collaboration of the community by keeping an open dialogue with police, schools, politicians, and block captains. This partnership is the same one he uses at PHL, as he also considers all airline employees his coworkers. 

Moody enjoys helping passengers while ensuring they depart and arrive at their destinations safely. His philosophy in life includes establishing respect for all people, listening, and good communication. “I’m a social person," he said. "There’s not a person at the airport that I don’t know. Especially in Terminal F, where I work,” 

Moody likes everything about the city, including the culture and history. He’s always giving passengers Philly pretzel and cheesesteak recommendations. He believes Philadelphia is a city where people come together to help others. 

Throughout Moody’s career, he’s appreciated the opportunity he’s had to apply skills he already knew prior to joining PPD, as well as the training he’s received through the department on the job. Moody and his PPD coworkers communicate effectively when their shifts change. “You have officers committed to the job and are mentors to schools and who also work with recreation centers,” he said. 

Moody enjoys spending time with his family and friends when he's not working. He enjoys visiting Myrtle Beach and playing miniature golf with his grandkids. Moody also enjoys donating to causes that he’s passionate about and visiting schools. 

“I would like to thank the employee recognition program and Chris Dougherty for nominating me,” said Moody. “I would like to thank my coworker Melanie Daily for bringing this nomination to my attention. I am also thankful to the people who trained us to do the right thing. I also thank God.”   

The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here.