OREANDA-NEWS. Miami International Airport took the top prize in the "Most Notable Airport/Aviation Program" category at Government Security News' (GSN) 2013 Homeland Security Awards ceremony in New York on December 5. MIA won the Platinum Award for its comprehensive runway incursion detection system, which will help keep the international gateway's four runways clear of security threats and accidental incursions by vehicles, people and aircraft.

The airport's new system, which is currently undergoing final testing before its 2014 launch, merges existing resources such as video cameras and video management systems with new elements that include ground-based radar, vehicle GPS tracking and low-light/fixed/thermal cameras. The combination of existing and new resources has produced a consolidated, seamlessly integrated system that will aid first responders by reducing "false positives" and increase the overall accuracy of the incursion detection system.

"Congratulations to our talented employees in the Facilities Management, Airside and Security divisions on being recognized for this important new addition to our airfield security system," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. Gonzalez. "We appreciate GSN for honoring us with this award and taking note of our efforts to provide the safest airport possible at MIA."

Government Security News was founded in 2003 and serves a circulation of 35,000 qualified recipients in the fields of physical, information technology and homeland security with its monthly print edition magazine. This audience includes federal, state and local officials, as well as integrators, contractors and suppliers who are similarly involved in homeland security.