Transit Police reflect on supporting MARTA during historic World Cup
Following the largest sporting event ever hosted in the U.S., RTD Transit Police officers describe what it was like to helpkeep Atlanta’s transit system secure during the FIFA 2026 World Cup
As the world was captivated by the FIFA 2026 World Cup, members of the RTD Transit Police Department (RTD-PD) experienced the rush firsthand while supporting patrols across the Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Agency (MARTA)’s transit system during the Atlanta matches.
A total of 21 RTD Transit Police officers shared their expertise in transit patrol and high-volume event operations over a four-week period. RTD deployed four to five officers weekly to Atlanta — enough to support MARTA effectively while maintaining coverage of the agency’s own service area.
MARTA’s Chief of Police M. Scott Kreher recognized the RTD-PD for its invaluable assistance and dedication to transit security during the event, presenting the agency with a commemorative plaque.
Across the board, RTD-PD officers describe their time supporting MARTA as a rare and meaningful opportunity. Here’s what seven of the RTD-PD officers who served in Atlanta had to say about the experience and its highlights.
What’s a highlight from patrolling during the FIFA 2026 World Cup matches in Atlanta?
RTD-PD Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano:
One of the biggest highlights was seeing firsthand just how essential public transportation was for an event of this size and global significance. Thousands relied on MARTA to travel to and from the match venues, and it was impressive to observe how smoothly the system supported that surge. The coordination between operations, safety, and law enforcement created a secure and efficient environment that helped keep crowds moving without major disruptions.
RTD-PD Deputy Chief Sean Faris:
Working shoulder-to-shoulder with law enforcement professionals from different jurisdictions reinforced that, regardless of where we serve, our mission remains the same: ensuring public safety and interacting with citizens professionally.
It was impressive to see the level of planning, communication, and teamwork that went into securing an event of this magnitude. Building relationships with colleagues from across the country and sharing best practices was an invaluable part of the experience.
RTD-PD Officer Pasupati Dhaurali:
One of the highlights was the opportunity to work alongside officers from multiple law enforcement agencies while being stationed near Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the FIFA World Cup. RTD officers also had the opportunity to train with MARTA Police’s specialized units, which was informative and rewarding.
RTD-PD Officer Scott Kelm:
I appreciated getting to see everyone come together to make each game day a seamless experience for the folks riding in. Whether they were local, coming in from out of state, or even overseas, everyone was able to get where they needed, when they needed, and focus on enjoying the excitement of the World Cup!
RTD-PD Officer Rob Sobek:
During the week I was there, my group was able to work alongside MARTA Police Department's Specialized Units on their training day. It was great to see how they trained as teams and came together as one to keep their skills sharp to make the MARTA system safer for all.
RTD-PD Officer Rebecca Sinclair:
It was a fun opportunity to learn about different cultures as well as see how other transit police departments work and to learn from MARTA and other law enforcement agencies.
What do you want people to know about the experience?
Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano:
A major highlight from patrolling during the FIFA 2026 World Cup in Atlanta was witnessing, up close, the critical role that public transportation played in the overall success of the event. Thousands of fans from around the world relied on MARTA to travel safely and efficiently to and from the stadiums. Another meaningful takeaway was observing the diversity and enthusiasm of the fan base. People representing dozens of countries filled the transit system, and interacting with them highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming, secure environment that reflects the city’s commitment to hospitality and public safety.
Deputy Chief Sean Faris:
This experience underscored the importance of partnerships in modern policing. Large-scale events demand seamless coordination among local, state, and federal partners, and I was proud to play a small role in that effort. I'm grateful to RTD for supporting this opportunity and to MARTA for their professionalism and hospitality. The knowledge and relationships gained will continue to benefit our community as we prepare for future special events and continue to enhance public safety.
Officer Pasupati Dhaurali:
MARTA has an outstanding police department. It was a privilege to witness firsthand how their technology, specialized teams, and coordinated operations contribute to the success and safety of an event as large as the FIFA World Cup. I am grateful to RTD for providing me with this opportunity and for allowing me to represent our department while learning from another exceptional transit police agency.
Officer Rob Sobek:
Every MARTA employee that we met was very excited and happy to have us there helping with the 2026 FIFA event. It was an opportunity that I will be able to remember for my lifetime.
What did you appreciate about the chance to patrol on behalf of MARTA during the World Cup matches in Atlanta?
Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano:
I deeply appreciated the opportunity because it allowed our officers to gain firsthand experience with an international event of unprecedented scale and complexity. Being embedded within MARTA’s operations highlighted just how much planning, partnership, and coordination is required to keep both attendees and the surrounding community safe. The experience offered a rare, real time look to see how multiple agencies come together: law enforcement, transit operations, emergency management, communications teams, and local partners, to execute a cohesive and effective safety strategy. The collaboration strengthened professional relationships, built trust between agencies, and provided our personnel with valuable insights that they can bring back to the Denver Metro area, as we prepare for future large scale events.
Deputy Chief Sean Faris:
Events like the FIFA World Cup require an extraordinary level of coordination, planning, and collaboration among law enforcement agencies from across the country. I wanted to contribute my experience, learn from other agencies, and bring those lessons back to benefit RTD.
I also appreciated the opportunity to spend time outside of our regular work environment with the phenomenal officers that I went with. I had a high opinion of these officers prior to this trip, and I have an even higher opinion of them by witnessing their daily interactions of exceptional professionalism, and handling long shifts with integrity, and class.
They consistently exceeded the high standards of our organization whether during formal events, professional discussions, or informal interactions. They demonstrated the character and professionalism that make me proud to serve alongside everyone in our organization.
Experiences like these strengthen not only our professional working relationships but also the personal trust and camaraderie that are essential to a high-performing team. Those relationships carry over into our daily operations, improving communication, teamwork, and our ability to support one another when it matters most.
Officer Pasupati Dhaurali:
Working alongside MARTA Police during the FIFA World Cup provided a unique chance to observe how another transit police department operates and manages large-scale international events. Being able to learn from another agency and see their approach to public safety was an invaluable experience.
My experience in Atlanta was phenomenal. It was impressive to see how MARTA Police manage large crowds, coordinate operations, and utilize advanced technology to help maintain safety and keep everything running smoothly. Observing their planning, communication, and overall execution gave me valuable insight into policing major events.
Officer Leon Duran:
More than anything, I appreciate the chance to be part of something bigger than myself. The last time the United States hosted the World Cup was 1994 — over 30 years ago. The 2026 World Cup is the first-ever co-hosted by three nations, spanning 104 matches, making it the largest World Cup ever held. I came to be another set of hands where they’re needed. Being deployed there put me right in the middle of something truly once-in-a-generation.
I also serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and what carries over from military service is the instinct to work alongside others who share a commitment to mission. I approached it the same way I would any deployment — you show up, you contribute, and you trust the people next to you.
Officer Scott Kelm:
I appreciated the opportunity to see how another Transit Authority operated, both on the ridership level as well as the law enforcement level. I also wanted to experience how law enforcement differed, if at all, in another state. I appreciated getting to help our brothers and sisters at MARTA.
Officer Rob Sobek:
This was a likely once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assist an outside agency with a large-scale event, and to make the event and visitors feel safer as they traveled about the transit system.
What’s been your experience in patrolling large-scale events?
Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano:
I bring more than 33 years of experience in policing and patrolling major large-scale events, including during my tenure with the New York Police Department. Throughout my career, I have served during some of the most significant public gatherings in the country, such as the two Presidential Inaugurations, the Million Man March, the 1994 World Cup, the Democratic National Convention, and multiple championship celebrations, including the Yankees’ World Series parades as well as the Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche championship parades. These experiences have shaped my understanding of complex event security, multi-agency coordination, and the operational demands required to keep millions of attendees safe.
Deputy Chief Sean Faris:
I’m no stranger to large-scale events being a prior Denver PD Officer. Denver hosts a substantial amount of large-scale concert venues, sporting events, marathons, and both planned and unplanned demonstration and rally events.
One of my career highlights as a younger police officer was patrolling a historic event held here in Denver – the 2008 DNC Convention, which was a great experience.
Officer Leon Duran:
When you’re responsible for public safety at an event of this scale, the number of trained officers on the ground directly determines your ability to maintain order, respond to incidents, and keep the public moving safely. I’ve lived that firsthand through my Navy service. When large ships pulled into port, thousands of service members would flow on and off base simultaneously — and it fell on us as patrol officers to manage that in real time. It was organized chaos at its best, and it taught me that preparation, communication, and personnel are the three pillars of any large-scale event operation.
Officer Scott Kelm:
Most of my experience in patrolling large-scale events has been assisting with opening day games of the Broncos and Rockies as well as traffic control for concerts and events at the Convention Center. Serving in Atlanta was a unique experience for me.
Officer Rebecca Sinclair:
The FIFA World Cup was my first experience with an event of that magnitude, besides patrolling during Broncos games. It was interesting that even with everyone who was there, it did not seem overwhelming. We were also able to work with a couple of federal agencies on patrols.
Officer Rob Sobek:
It was different than a regular day at RTD. We assisted members of the public with working their way through MARTA’s new fare gates. We provided directions on how to get to different stops, even though we were visitors ourselves. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would be happy to assist with an event like this in the future. Even though there were a lot of people going through the MARTA stations, it never seemed too overwhelming.
To see more photos from the World Cup, visit here.