U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 04/29/2022 02:52 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest
Contact: 13th District Public Affairs
Office: (206) 220-7237
After Hours: (206) 220-7237
13th District online newsroom

U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle

U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle
U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle
U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes eight employees at award ceremony in Seattle 

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

SEATTLE — On Thursday, DHS hosted an awards ceremony at Coast Guard Base Seattle to recognize employees for their outstanding contributions.

Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, John K. Tien officiated the ceremony, where eight employees received a Secretary’s Award.

“There is no higher calling than public service. 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,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “I am grateful for their service to our nation and proud to recognize their extraordinary accomplishments.”

“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,” said Deputy Secretary Tien. “Their hard work is exemplary of the DHS workforce’s commitment to keep our nation safe.”

The DHS Secretary’s Award is an annual program that recognizes the extraordinary individual and collective achievements of the workforce. There are eight award categories that recognize achievements spanning the previous year. This year, DHS will hold several ceremonies across the country, honoring nearly 900 employees. 

Among those recognized was Petty Officer 1st Class Wallace Qual who received the Secretary’s Award for Valor. Deputy Secretary Tien acknowledged the heroic actions of Petty Officer Qual on the night of 8 September 2020, when he swam more than 400 yards through breaking surf and howling winds to save the master of the sinking fishing boat Legend.

Reflecting on this night Petty Officer Qual said, “It was going to be pretty challenging to swim to where he was at. So I just put my head down and swam as hard as I could.”

DHS Secretary Mayorkas is committed to creating a culture of recognition, engagement, and robust communication at the Department.  One of his key priorities is to champion the workforce and transform the employee experience. 

 

-USCG-