THIS DAY: Jan. 24 has quite the history.

On this day in 2003, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security came into being with Tom Ridge — the former governor of Pennsylvania — being sworn in as the agency’s first secretary. Prior to the agency’s creation, Ridge served as assistant to the President for homeland security.

Ridge was born in Munhall, and raised in veterans’ public housing in Erie. He graduated from Harvard University with honors, and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

He returned to Pennsylvania and completed his juris doctor degree at Dickinson School of Law, graduating in 1972.

He served as assistant district attorney in Erie, and ran for Congress in his district. He won, and served six terms before running for governor. Again, he won, and won re-election in 1998.

As of 2022, he is the last Republican governor elected in Pennsylvania.

Following 9/11, President George W. Bush appointed Ridge as the first director of the Office of Homeland Security. It became a Cabinet level position in 2003.

Also on this date, in 1935, Krueger’s Cream Ale is sold — the first canned beer in the U.S.

In 1950, Jackie Robinson signed the highest contract in Dodger history — $35,000.

In 1982, it was Super Bowl XVI in the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit where San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 26-21, and quarterback Joe Montana is named MVP.’

In 1984, Apple Computer Inc. unveiled its Macintosh personal computer.

In 1999, the 49th NHL All-Star Game is played at the Ice Palace in Tampa, Fla. North America beats the World team, 8-6, with Wayne Gretzky named the MVP.