The Secretary’s Unit Award 2018

The 2018 Secretary's Unit Award recognizes any unit within the Department with outstanding team achievements in operational areas such as law enforcement, aviation, cybersecurity, border patrol, and hiring, acquisition and information technology. The work will have resulted in measurable improvements in employee morale and engagement within and among members of the unit, superior performance, significant operational improvements, or notable innovation in support of DHS missions.

Active Shooter Tactical Medical Instructor Travel Team

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Glynco, Georgia

For exporting the innovative, efficient and life-saving tactical medical training program to state, local and tribal law enforcement officers across the country.

DOMEX & Watchlisting Branches Team

Office of Intelligence and Analysis
Washington, D.C.

For outstanding performance in the total elimination of a 12-year backlog of terrorism-related information from digital media, resulting in over 1,000 Watchlisting nominations or enhancements in terrorism identities.

Applications Program Development Unit

United States Secret Service
Washington, D.C.

For developing and deploying the Applicant Lifecycle Information System to manage U.S. Secret Service hiring activities, resulting in reduced time to hire and increased retention.

CBP Grupo Conjunto de Inteligencia Fronteriza Team

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Washington, D.C.

In recognition of dedicated bi-national efforts focused on sharing information to identify Central American gang members attempting to make illegal entry into the United States.

TSA Training Center - In-Flight Security Officers Team

Transportation Security Administration
Washington, D.C.

For conducting an International In-Flight Security Officer Trainers Symposium, to help improve the general skills and marksmanship of the international air marshal community.

USCIS Electronic N-400 Project Team

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Washington, D.C.

For ensuring the integrity of the electronic system relating to employee support and readiness, and for transforming training, guidance and assistance provided to 7,000 USCIS staff.

Remote Retrievable Disposable Desktop Development Team

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Washington, D.C.

For developing the Desktop tool that provides access to immigration information, while protecting DHS systems and the legal rights of individuals under investigation and adjudication of certain immigration benefits.

USCG Marine Safety Unit – Port Arthur

United States Coast Guard
Port Arthur, Texas

For remarkable innovation and superior public service during Hurricane Harvey by saving more than 3,522 civilians under the most hazardous conditions.

USCG Air Station Houston

United States Coast Guard
Houston, Texas

For demonstrated superior skills and devotion to duty in response to Hurricane Harvey by rescuing more than 1,738 persons trapped in rising floodwaters in the Houston area, the largest recent urban Search and Rescue operation.

Tucson Station Flex Operation Team

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Tucson, Arizona

For developing effective tactics to detect, apprehend and deter transnational criminal organizations, serving as a foundational model for future operational strategy.

Lubbock Fugitive Operations Team

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

In recognition of sustained superior performance in multiple enforcement program areas for a single unit, resulting in increased apprehensions each year.

National Infrastructure Coordinating Center Team

National Programs and Protection Directorate
Washington, D.C.

For supporting the Federal response to the devastating 2017 hurricane season, and the efforts to recover and restore critical infrastructure within the Atlantic Basin.