Here's another post-9/11 case, which I've mentioned here before. This was on the first day that the Federal inspectors took over from the privatized security people.
I was in Newark getting on a plane when I realized my favorite bone-handled Case pocketknife was in my camera bag with my other tools -- while I was standing in front of the X-ray machine. I immediately told the security guy, who let me take the knife out. He told me that I should just mail it to myself, and showed me where I could get an envelope and some stamps. The checked baggage was already on the plane.
Unfortunately, in an excess of security zeal, all of the mailboxes in the public area of Newark Airport were sealed shut. I had minutes left and I went back to the security guy. He called for someone to replace him and said "follow me," trotting down the ramp toward the gates. At the gate, inside of security, was the only functioning mailbox in the place. "Here," he said, and held the box open for me. I thanked him and he gave me a quick salute, and then trotted back up to the security area. I made the plane with about five minutes to spare.
The guy was about 60 years old and trotted really well. I figure he recognized a classic pocketknife when he saw one. I didn't think to say anything to my wife, but two days later she called and said "what the heck?..."
-- Ed Huntress