On October 15, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted an awards ceremony at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., where 350 employees were honored with the Secretary’s Award for their significant contributions to the department's mission.
"Every single day, with great determination, integrity, and skill, the 268,000 men and women of the Department of Homeland Security ensure the safety and security of the American people," stated Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security. "Thanks to these extraordinary public servants, our shores, harbors, skies, cyberspace, and borders are protected; fentanyl and other deadly drugs are prevented from entering our country; communities are able to recover and rebuild after a natural disaster; the scourges of human trafficking, forced labor, and online exploitation are mitigated; and so much more. The individuals we recognize today with our Department’s highest honor, the Secretary’s Award reflect the very best of DHS – and in their selfless dedication to mission, the very best of public service."
The awards acknowledge individual and collective achievements within DHS. This year's 320 awardees come from various offices including Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD), Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), Management Directorate (MGMT), Office of Health Affairs (OHA), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
“In recognizing these outstanding DHS personnel with a Secretary’s Award we recognize all our talented personnel; the achievements of one are not possible without the contributions of others,” added Mayorkas. “We also express our appreciation to their families and loved ones; when one serves, the family serves too.”
Among this year’s accomplishments were developing new policies for TSA's pay system transition; initiatives targeting Transnational Criminal Organizations in Darien Gap region; arresting over 8,000 human smugglers; producing over 5,000 intelligence reports; seizing over $38 million USD in property; providing crucial alerts against cyberattacks.
DHS plans nine ceremonies nationwide this year to honor over 1,700 employees—the largest number recognized annually. Last year marked Secretary Mayorkas unveiling priorities such as workforce championing amid DHS being home to over 92 thousand law enforcement officers—aiming for increased female representation by 2030—and having a workforce comprising nearly 21% veterans.
Daily interactions between DHS operational components include travelers at ports or immigrants applying for services among others. More about DHS impacts can be found on their website: DHS.gov/TodayDHSWill.
Last year's efforts included improving noncitizen processing efficiency at Southwest Border responses to natural disasters investigating cybercrimes resettling Afghan evacuees securely securing midterm elections plus demonstrating life-saving heroism under duress.
For detailed awardee information visit: [2024 Secretary's Awards | Homeland Security](dhs.gov).
