The 2020 Secretary’s COVID-19 Pandemic Heroism Award was created to recognize exceptional and dedicated work and selfless response in the face of this deadly and perilous coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that erupted around the world and in this nation.
Del Rio Sector Team
United States Customs and Border Protection
For demonstrating great compassion; they performed above and beyond the call of duty guiding border patrol agent Agustin Aguilar’s family through a very difficult situation during a time of great uncertainty in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air Bridge Team
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Jerry Thomas
Michael Frego
St. Francis Peters
Julie Nato
Kevin Colton
Jermaine Francis
Vanessa Williams
Derek Chappelle
For developing and implementing an international air bridge to rapidly deliver COVID PPE as part of a historic logistical effort for the U.S. Government in response to the COVID pandemic.
Personal Protective Equipment Team
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Michael Cuccio
Vanessa Green
Michael McClain
Donald Carter
Monique Park
Chebecka Carter
John Thompson
Keith Williams
For procuring personal protective equipment to fulfill requirements for requests across the nation in support of the historic logistical effort of the U.S. Government.
S&T COVID-19 Team
Science and Technology Directorate
Tod Companion
Julie Brewer
Matthew Moe
Lloyd Hough
Steven Wallen
William Pharis
John Fischer
Jonathan McEntee
Robert VanAtta
For research, expertise, and proactive collaboration characterizing the virus, validating disinfectants, and assisting in PPE reconditioning.
Team LaGuardia Airport
Transportation Security Administration
Robert Duffy
Matthew McKeon
Ronald Arroyo
John Ellison
James Cappiello
Michael Mullane
Kristen Jonus
Robert Gjonaj
Ingrid Alleyne
Sergio Blanco
Sanra Suarez
Joseph Modica
For displaying exceptional bravery and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic that crippled New York City.
Cruise Ship GRAND PRINCESS COVID-19 Response Team
United States Coast Guard
Marie Byrd
David Dixon
Rebecca Sheehan
Megan Mervar
Megan Dennelly
Tyler White
Edward Kunigonis
Jason Berger
Nolan Salyer
Brandon Belveal
Alexander LaBelle
Craig Ross
Jose Segura
Robert Blomerth
Frank Strom
For safely executing two medical evacuations from Cruise Ship GRAND PRINCESS, saving two lives. These medical evacuations were the Coast Guard’s first operations in a COVID-19 positive environment and set the standard for Coast Guard policy development.
Safety, Health and Environmental Programs Division
United States Secret Service
Nadeem Siddiqui
Steven Fong
Anthony Knight
Anthony Jernigan
Sherrill Abramson
Angela Avery
Mauria Bell
Suzette Conlon
Danne Hardin
Nicole Jones
Kathryn Mullinax
Stephanie Semadeni
Charles Toler, Jr.
David Brown
Blaine Forschen
Frederick Reiniger III
Mark Trout
Anna Czech
Li Leung
Mary Gartrell
Brianna Smith
For working tirelessly under extreme circumstances to provide a safer workforce environment in support of the secret service mission.