Traffic Specialist Keeps Airport Drives Moving

When Triomphe Mbala made the journey from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Washington state in 2011 to further his education, he never imagined he’d be working in the law enforcement field or working at the airport that first welcomed him to the United States. 

As a native French speaker who spoke little English, when he entered the United States at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), he had difficulty getting around. He recalls a helpful employee who helped him out. 

“I never thought one day I’d be at the same airport helping people or that I would end up in this field working with police at all,” he said. “But when I was looking for a job I heard that the Port of Seattle was a wonderful employer — one of the best in the state.  So I decided to apply.” 

After receiving his Associates Degree in Business Administration from Tacoma Community College, Mbala started working in 2018 as a Traffic Support Specialist (TSS) with the Port of Seattle Police Department (POSPD). Earlier this year, he was promoted to a POSPD police officer.  As a TSS, Mbala worked alongside police officers on the airport drives, keeping traffic flowing and helping travelers and drivers stay safe.  

“The TSS are an extra set of eyes in our department. TSS need excellent radio communications skills, but most importantly it’s about customer service. It’s also about the police department’s relationship with the community. We want to be the best we can and support our community.” 

His job was to keep traffic moving on the busy airport drives by reminding drivers not to park in the thru lanes or linger longer when picking up travelers, making everyone's airport pickup easy and low stress. 

Mbala also gave passengers and drivers directions and answered any general airport questions. 

“A lot of people get lost at the airport and the TSS’s job is to show compassion, empathy, and be the positive person out there. It’s very fast paced. You have to be patient and think on your feet. Your supervisor is also often busy so you need to make quick, smart decisions.” 

The most common question on the drives – “Where can I find the Uber pick up?” 

In response, Mbala cheerfully directed passengers across the skybridge to the third floor of the airport parking garage to the app-based ride share pick up area. He said it’s rewarding to help people find what they are looking for.  

Time saving tips from Triomphe

Is an airport drop off or pick up in your future? Here's insider advice from Mbala on on navigating the drives. 

1. Utilize the cell phone lot

Stay in contact with your pick up and wait for their call or text before making your way to the Arrivals drive. Wait in the cell phone lot until you know your passenger is ready for pick up. 

“I always advise drivers to make sure that it is the passenger waiting for you, not you waiting for the passenger. Waiting on the drives clogs up the roadways when space is crucial. When cars are not moving, passengers get upset and complain that they’ve been sitting in one place for 30 minutes.” 

2. Switch it up to speed it up

There can be long wait times from 5:00-7:00 a.m. for the upper-level Departures drive and 9:00-11:00 p.m. for the lower-level Arrivals drive.  

Follow this simple travel hack to skip the line: 

• In the mornings, drop off passengers on the Arrivals Drive (the lower level) 
• In the evenings, arrange to meet your people on the Departures Drive (the upper level) 

During busy travel times, “switch it up to speed it up” and tell them to meet you on the opposite drive.  

Pro tip: Check the live traffic feeds of the airport drives before you arrive so you can plan your departure or pickup.  

Supportive environment 

When he joined POSPD Mbala knew immediately that he’d walked into a supportive environment. 

“My supervisors were great, and they really have helped me out,” he said. “We always talk about how we can do better as a department and I am asked what I want to do next. It’s a very positive environment to work in.” 

As a TSS, he worked side by side with police officers and shadowed them on duty. This experience inspired him to train to become a police officer with the POSPD. 

After going through the Port’s hiring process, Mbala attended and recently completed the 19-week police academy at the Washington Criminal Justice Training Center. After returning to the department  he is working on additional qualifications and requirements, and  responding to calls accompanied by a senior police officer.  

Mbala said he is excited to continue his journey working with the community and helping people. 

“I want to be the change I want to see in my community and leave a legacy for the generations ahead,” he said. “It’s such a noble job. I’m the oldest in my family with four siblings behind me. I want to show them an example of what a leader needs to be — selfless. I’m excited to communicate, serve, and protect life and property.”