Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) Officer Mark Tymes is a people person, always ready to help. After assisting a passenger find her phone, he received the “Caring Support” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes individuals who prioritize passenger safety through exceptional commitment to service.
Officer Tymes serves as a foot beat in Terminal C and patrols PHL roads and garages. He has been at PHL for 24 years and will mark his 35th anniversary with the Police Department this October. He is also a veteran and served 11 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and nine years in the U.S. Air Force. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Delaware Valley University in 1982 and is certified in CPR/AED. He fluctuates between a 7 - 3 a.m. and 3 – 11 p.m. work shift.
“I love my job, and I love helping people,” said Tymes. “I love listening to passengers’ stories and giving directions. I want to do the best job.”
At PHL, Officer Tymes demonstrates values of prioritizing passenger needs, customer-centrism, transcending expectations, respect, and integrity.
In her nomination of Officer Tymes, passenger Anne Montague stated, “I'm writing to commend Airport Police Officer Tymes for his help. As an elderly solo traveler, I was at the Frontier check-in counter when I discovered I'd lost my phone. Once I got through security, I found Officer Tymes, who let me use his phone, which allowed me to reach the Lyft driver who had dropped me at the airport and to arrange to meet her so she could give it to me. But the real lifesaver was that the officer noticed I was heading the wrong way in my attempt to return to the drop-off point, caught up with me, and got me headed in the right direction. I am deeply grateful, and I'd like this note to be shared with the Police department and airport administrators.”
Officer Tymes appreciates the camaraderie he and his fellow PPD Officers have at PHL. “We’re team-oriented,” he said. “Since I’ll be retiring next year, I like to provide advice to newer cops.”
While working, Officer Tymes treats everyone fairly. His goal is to ensure the city is safer. He is passionate about donating to the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia (PAL) and Philabundance, among other causes. He plans on traveling to France and Greece once he retires.
“I thank Captain Brown for her leadership through tough times,” he said. “I appreciate this employee recognition award and hope that other police officers and airport employees are also recognized.”
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 the program and to nominate an employee, click here.
