An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
()
or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
The Secretary’s Award for Valor is the highest departmental recognition for extraordinary acts of valor by an employee or group, occurring while on or off duty. The award is given in exceptional circumstances to those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in a highly dangerous, life-threatening situation or emergency under extreme stress and involving a specific act of valor, such as saving another person’s life or property. Both civilian and military employees of the Department are eligible for this award.
This year's winners are listed below, along with a description of their contributions and achievements:
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s award for Valor to Anibal J. Cardona-Perez, Christian G. Hover, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Award for Valor is the highest departmental recognition for extraordinary acts of valor by an employee or group, occurring while on or off duty. The award is given in exceptional circumstances to those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in a highly dangerous, life-threatening situation or emergency under extreme stress and involving a specific act of valor, such as saving another person’s life or property. Both civilian and military employees of the Department are eligible for this award. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For extraordinary valor and great courage in saving multiple lives from a burning vehicle.
Operation Pandemonium Team
Anibal J. Cardona-Perez, CBP Christian G. Hover, CBP
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Award for Valor to Jeremiah Gussoni, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary' Award for Valor is the highest departmental recognition for extraordinary acts of valor by an employee or group, occurring while on or off duty. The award is given in exceptional circumstances to those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in a highly dangerous, life-threatening situation or emergency under extreme stress and involving a specific act of valor, such as saving another person's life or property. Both civilian and military employees of the Department are eligible for this award. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For extraordinary heroism in saving an individual from a burning vehicle.
Jeremiah Gussoni, ICE
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Award for Valor to Carol A. Richel, Walter T. Johnson, Christopher Lucia and Randell Lundsgaard, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Award for Valor is the highest departmental recognition for extraordinary acts of valor by an employee or group, occurring while on or off duty. The award is given in exceptional circumstances to those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in a highly dangerous, life-threatening situation or emergency under extreme stress and involving a specific act of valor, such as saving another person’s life or property. Both civilian and military employees of the Department are eligible for this award. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For remarkable courage in stopping a weapon-wielding assailant, preventing the loss of life of passengers and employees.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Concourse-B Security Screening Team
Carol A. Richel, TSA Walter T. Johnson, TSA Christopher Lucia, TSA Randell Lundsgaard, TSA
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Award for Valor to Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Evan A. Staph for extraordinary service and selfless courage in braving harsh weather elements to save four individuals from a sinking ship, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Award for Valor is the highest departmental recognition for extraordinary acts of valor by an employee or group, occurring while on or off duty. The award is given in exceptional circumstances to those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in a highly dangerous, life-threatening situation or emergency under extreme stress and involving a specific act of valor, such as saving another person’s life or property. Both civilian and military employees of the Department are eligible for this award. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For extraordinary service and selfless courage in braving harsh weather elements to save four individuals from a sinking ship.
