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Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Honors Employees During Third Annual Awards Ceremony

Release Date: December 5, 2007

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff honored the department’s 208,000 employees today during its third annual awards ceremony to recognize the many accomplishments of its men and women. More than 100 award winners were recognized in eight categories across the department.

“Today’s award recipients have not only done what are often dangerous, difficult and even thankless jobs – they have done them with extraordinary courage and professionalism,” said Secretary Chertoff. “They represent the very best of our department, and on behalf of a grateful nation and their proud colleagues; I thank them for their service.”

The top award, the Secretary’s Gold Medal, was presented to Charlie Allen, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis*. Allen, who once served as the Assistant Director of Central Intelligence for Collection, was recognized for being an intelligence visionary and an icon in the Intelligence Community. He is responsible for implementing the Homeland Security Intelligence Council and the Homeland Security Threat Intelligence Group, which lay the foundation for better decision making on intelligence issues across component agencies and across the department.

The Secretary’s Silver Medal was awarded to 14 recipients in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service to the department, and to the federal government.

The Secretary’s Award for Valor was presented to 12 recipients, including Border Patrol Agent Gary L. Ortega, who was recognized for displaying tremendous courage and selflessness in saving the lives of several people from a burning vehicle. Ortega repeatedly returned to the burning vehicle to ensure the safe evacuation of all passengers, including two children and an elderly man.

Also acknowledged for valor was Aviation Survival Technician Third Class Robert D. Emley of the United States Coast Guard. Emley was recognized for his heroic life saving actions during the rescue of four crewmen from the fishing vessel Starrigavin. Petty Officer Emley braved a vessel that was dangerously listing and rolling up to 50 degrees in pounding breakers and surf to deliver the four men to safety.

Other award categories include the Secretary’s Award for Exemplary Service, the Secretary’s Award for Excellence, the Secretary’s Award for Team DHS Excellence, the Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Diversity Management, and the Secretary’s Award for Volunteer Service.

For a list of award winners in each category, visit the Third Annual Secretary's Awards - List of Honorees (PDF, 18 pages - 127 KB).

* Changed the word Information to Intelligence.

This page was last reviewed/modified on December 5, 2007.