Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) – Airport Division Police Officer Eric Scott recently received the “Impression Makers” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide direct customer service to passengers.
Scott has been with the PPD for 25 years, serving 12 of those years at PHL. He upholds the safety and security on PHL’s departure and arrival roads, Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
“I enjoy encountering the diversity of people, religions, and age groups of passengers,” said Scott, who holds a degree in Human Resources and Operations Management from Drexel University. “Through my communication skills and background knowledge, I’m able to be a helpful asset and better officer by engaging the public.”
While working, Scott demonstrates respect, integrity, transcending expectations, customer-centrism, prioritizing passenger needs, courage, teamwork, and effectiveness.
In her nomination of Scott, Department of Aviation Assistant Director of Marketing and Branding Nicole Geyer stated, “Officer Scott bleeds passion for the City of Philadelphia and goes above and beyond to represent our city and our airport in a positive light. He ensures each passenger, visitor, or fellow employee he encounters feels seen, heard, appreciated, and safe. Officer Scott does not only protect our airport, our passengers, and our employees, but he also provides excellent customer service. He knows that often, he is the first or last person a passenger interacts with on their way into or out of our city and is always sure to go out of his way to lend a hand, strike up a conversation, and help anyone. Officer Scott sees the positive in everyone and everything and is truly interested in making a difference in this city. He brings smiles to the faces of everyone he meets. Spending a few hours with him at an event this week was refreshing. In just a few hours, I witnessed him approach countless passengers to ask if they needed assistance before they asked for it and bring cheer and smiles to endless employees and stakeholders around him with simple conversations and jokes. It was amazing to see him interact with everyone around us in such a seamless and positive way. Thank you, Officer Scott, for showing me that a little compassion and a smile go a long way. Your work every day is appreciated by many, and I hope this nomination is proof that we see you. We can't thank you enough for using your position to make a true difference at PHL and beyond.”
Scott interacts with guests in a way that will make them come back and choose PHL as a global gateway to the world. “This airport is a world of its own,” he said. I have a greater appreciation of the aviation process. I’m able to give people a sense of calm, be a mediator and protector, and serve employees as well. I’ve honed my interpersonal skills and accessed a situation by observing, interpreting, and making the best decision.”
Scott and his fellow officers walk more than 10 miles daily throughout the terminals. “I like my coworkers,” he said. “They have grit and are determined to overcome any challenge.”
Originally from Clairton, outside of Pittsburgh, Scott deeply appreciates the City of Philadelphia. “This city has been wonderful to me,” he said. “It’s given me many opportunities to spread my wings, fly, and soar. I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do in the city.”
Scott plans on retiring next year and hopes to leave a positive legacy. “I hope to transfer all the skills I’ve learned from the airport to help society. I would advise young people to work hard and create an unbreakable foundation.”
Scott appreciates PHL and the Employee Recognition Program for awarding employees. “I’d like to thank Nicole for nominating me,” said Scott. “I would love to volunteer with this organization after retiring.”
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.
