WTC Walk with Lieutenant Quashie

For National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on January 9, we spoke with Lieutenant Wilfred Quashie who has worked at the Port Authority for 23 years. Join us as we walk through the WTC campus with Lieutenant Quashie and learn more about the work he and his team do.

Name: Lieutenant Wilfred Quashie

Title: VIPs and Securities Lieutenant

What does your job entail?

Quashie: I have the standard patrol Lieutenant responsibilities, also securities in terms of making sure the campus stays safe for the patrons, tenants and our shareholders. We also have the responsibility of dealing with VIPs, in terms of presidents, kings, parliament members, cabinet members, government officials, and celebrities when they come on campus. That’s challenging, as certain officials require certain safety protocols.

We need to be able to keep them safe while they’re here and make their visit light in terms of impact for the general patrons and the regular people that come through the Oculus and the World Trade Center.

What is your favorite part about your job?

Quashie: My favorite part is that I get to meet interesting people from around the world. This job allows you, unfortunately, to usually see people at their worst. You usually see a cop when something bad has happened to you, so in this setting here, people get to meet you, and it’s usually not the case. Usually you’re here on vacation, trying to find something, or learning about what goes on in the US and here at the World Trade Center.

Can you tell us one of the best experiences you have had at work?

Quashie: As a former instructor in the Academy, being able to educate and teach young recruits to hopefully become officers, help them expand their knowledge of what policing is and about, and how to utilize those principles to better themselves and the community we serve.

What is your favorite event that you have worked at as VIP Lieutenant?

Quashie: The Fourth of July is my favorite. When the Fourth of July affects our campus, that means the fireworks are on the Hudson side. We get a multitude of people in terms of crowds who come to watch and see it. It’s a joyous day, and I get to meet a lot of people.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Quashie: Still being able to do this physically and mentally here at the World Trade Center. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to help my fellow officers learn about the job and the nuances that come with it so they can betterthemselves and their families and keep themselves safe.

What motivates you?

Quashie: I’m motivated by the fact that I can help people.  Citizens have the unique opportunity to have human interaction with a patrol officer. We do community policing outreach here at the WTC.

We do giveaways, incentives and informational events so that people know that the police are here, what kinds of services we can offer them, and ways we can help them.

Who was your favorite VIP that you’ve escorted during your career?

Quashie: My favorites were Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama. 

Walk through the Oculus with Lieutenant Quashie in our Instagram reel here and be sure to follow us on Instagram for upcoming features.