ALCOAST 282/21 - AUG 2021 2021 WOMEN IN FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT (WIFLE) AWARD RECIPIENTS

R 051808Z AUG 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 282/21
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: 2021 WOMEN IN FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT (WIFLE)
AWARD RECIPIENTS
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 042100Z MAR 21/ALCOAST 090/21
1. This ALCOAST announces the Coast Guard (CG) recipient of
the Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Awards. These
awards are sponsored by the WIFLE Foundation, a not-for-profit
organization working to promote the value that women bring to
law enforcement. Coast Guard women have been selected for
three of the 2021 award categories.
2. The Outstanding Advocate for Women in Federal Law
Enforcement Award recognizes contributions that have had a
substantial impact in areas of recruiting, retaining or
promoting women in law enforcement. This award goes to MECM
Neena S. Cicinelli, School Chief for the Maritime Enforcement
Specialist "A" School. MECM Cicinelli modeled the way by
establishing an expectation of advocacy throughout her
personal and professional networks. MECM Cicinelli's
experience and tutelage aided in other women achieving the
highest ranks and positions in CG law enforcement. Under her
guidance and leadership, from 2016 through 2020, women
Tactical Operators increased by 230%, women MEs increased by
50%, and the ME attrition rate for women was the lowest in
years. By combining her intuitive ability for authentic
connection with her steadfast loyalty to identify and remove
barriers, MECM Cicinelli made an enduring contribution to
the opportunities, health, and longevity of CG women Law
Enforcement Officers for many years to come.
3. The Elizebeth Smith Friedman Intelligence Award of
Excellence recognizes individuals that have demonstrated an
exceptional and sustained level of intelligence analysis,
which provided a substantial and broad impact in areas of
the field of intelligence as recognized by the agency. This
award goes to LT Brandi A. Belveal, Maritime Intelligence
Fusion Center Pacific (MIFC PAC). LT Belveal provided
superior intelligence support to Joint Interagency Task
Force-South and U.S. assets operating in the Eastern Pacific
Ocean. Proving MIFC PAC's skill at maritime domain awareness
as applied to the counter-drug mission, LT Belveal's
contributions supported 508 JIATF-S cases resulting in the
interdiction of 21,382 kgs of cocaine, 6,300 lbs. of
marijuana, and 42.2 gallons of concentrated cannabis
totaling over 51,000 kgs of narcotics worth approximately
$865 million. LT Belveal identified the need for 24/7
tactical intelligence support and spearheaded MIFC PAC's
support for five separate Customs and Border Protection
cases in the PACAREA area of responsibility, providing
1,029 notifications for illicit activity occurring in the
Eastern Pacific.
4. The Outstanding Federal Law Enforcement Employee Award
recognizes individuals with a sustained and superior level
of performance while serving as a role model for women in
law enforcement. This award goes to CDR Dorothy Hernaez,
USCGC HARRIET LANE (WMEC 903). CDR Hernaez deployed four
times totaling 280 days away from the cutter's homeport of
Portsmouth, Virginia. During her time on HARRIET LANE, CDR
Hernaez oversaw seven interdictions resulting in the
seizure of 5,396 kgs of cocaine worth $225 million and
10,533 lbs of marijuana with a value of $18.5 million in
the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean transit zones. She also
oversaw the detention of 28 suspected narco-traffickers,
and the transfer of 43 suspected narco-traffickers to the
Department of Justice for prosecution in the United States.
CDR Hernaez’s exceptional law enforcement efforts prevented
illicit substances from reaching our communities and
supported U.S. strategic interests in the Western Hemisphere
Transit Zone.
5. I applaud the courageous and superior efforts of MECM
Cicinelli, LT Belveal, and CDR Hernaez. They have brought
tremendous credit upon the Coast Guard through their efforts
and contributions to the law enforcement community. Bravo
Zulu!
6. POC: COMDT (CG-MLE-2) CDR Ellen Motoi, 202-372-2668, or
e-mail at Ellen.M.Motoi@uscg.mil.
7. RDML Scott W. Clendenin, Assistant Commandant for
Response Policy (CG-5R), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.