BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) last Tuesday, January 28, awarded Wakefield resident Rob LaVita with the Authority’s “Logan Stars” award. The award honors non-Massport employees at Boston Logan International Airport who exemplify the highest level of customer service and/or perform acts of courage in their roles.
LaVita is an officer with U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In October 2024, LaVita, along with other CBP officers, responded to a passenger in line that suffered a heart attack. Immediately, LaVita and the other officers alternated roles performing CPR on the passenger until Massport Fire and Rescue responded and transported the individual to the hospital. Due to the actions of LaVita and his fellow CBP officers, the passenger’s life was saved.
The “Logan Star” award recognizes contributions of non-Massport employees at Boston Logan in one or more categories:
• Providing exceptional customer service;
• Engaging in an act of bravery and/or heroism;
• Improving safety or security;
• Increasing operational efficiency or excellence in a way that benefits the Logan community; and
• Creating innovations or new work processes that benefit the Logan community as a whole.
LaVita received the award during the 19th Annual Massport S.A.F.E. and Logan Stars Ceremony held Tuesday, January 28. The ceremony, which highlights Massport’s commitment to safety and security, recognized over 30 employees for their contributions to keeping the airport safe and secure.
The event featured the Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, Major General Gary W. Keef as the keynote speaker. Maj. Gen. Keef received his commission in 1986, has served in the U.S Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard, and earned himself a Distinguished Service Medal and Bronze Star Medal. He has served as the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard since 2016, working closely with the Governor and all state agencies to keep Massachusetts safe and secure.