ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT TO PRESENT AWARDS
TO JUSTICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES FROM ACROSS THE U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General John Ashcroft will present awards to Justice Department employees from across the country at this year’s Attorney General’s Annual Awards Ceremony, scheduled for TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2003 at 2:00 p.m.

The Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service, the Department of Justice’s top award, will be presented by Attorney General Ashcroft to the 18-member team of the Buffalo Joint Terrorism Task Force for their exemplary performance in the dismantlement of the Lackawanna, New York terrorist cell.

This year’s 51st Annual Attorney General’s Awards also recognizes 142 Justice Department employees and 21 other federal employees and law enforcement officers for their exceptional heroism, excellence in law enforcement and distinguished service. (Additional information on the awards and recipients can be accessed via the Justice Department web site at: http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/ps/guiawards.htm <http://www.usdoj.gov/jmd/ps/guiawads.html.>). The event is open to credentialed reporters:

WHAT: The 51st Annual Attorney General’s Awards

DATE: Wednesday, July 30, 2003

TIME: The ceremony begins promptly at 2:00 p.m EST.

MEDIA SHOULD ARRIVE AT 1:00 PM EST.

LOCATION: Constitution Hall; 18th St., N.W.,

between C and D Streets NW

NOTE: All media should enter through the 18th St. center doors. A mult-box will be available for media on-site. Arrangements for photos or interviews of particular award recipients should be coordinated with Gina Talamona or Casey Stavropoulos in the Office of Public Affairs prior to the event at (202) 514-2007.

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