The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently hosted awards ceremonies at Coast Guard Sector San Diego and Coast Guard Base Seattle to spotlight the contributions of nearly three dozen employees.
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John K. Tien was in Seattle on Thursday, April 28 to honor eight employees and in San Diego on Friday to honor 24 employees with the Secretary’s Award. Recipients included Coast Guardsmen, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Customs and Border Protection agents.
The DHS Secretary’s Award is given annually to highlight outstanding achievement in the workforce. The employees honored in Seattle and San Diego are among close to 900 employees being recognized across the U.S.
“I am proud to recognize the significant contributions of DHS employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to respond in extraordinary ways to the challenges of protecting the homeland,” Tien said. “Their hard work is exemplary of the DHS workforce’s commitment to keep our nation safe.”
One of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ priorities, according to Homeland Security, is to “champion the workforce and transform the employee experience.”
“There is no higher calling than public service,” Mayorkas said. “The personnel throughout our department give so much of themselves to keep our communities safe and to better the lives of others. The individuals we recognize today exemplify the best of our department and the best of public service.”
