U.S. Department of Justice
Office of the Deputy Attorney General
Washington, D.C. 20530
February 27, 2002
MEMORANDUM
TO: Heads of Department Components
FROM: Larry D. Thompson|
As Chair of the combined Incentive Awards Board and John Marshall Awards Panel (Board), it is my pleasure to announce that the Attorney General's 50th Annual Awards Ceremony is being planned for summer of this year. The Attorney General will present the following awards at the Ceremony (in order of presentation):
The criteria and nomination format for all award categories are attached. Please review the accomplishments of your employees in light of the criteria and submit nominations as appropriate. In making this review of potential nominees, it is especially important to consider those employees who are at the "working" or non-supervisory levels who may not be eligible for other kinds of awards, such as SES bonuses. If you plan to nominate an individual outside your own organization, you must obtain the concurrence of the head of that individual's employing organization. In addition, nominations will not generally be accepted for individuals whose accomplishments are pending final action or involve a pending legal matter. If there is a compelling need to exceed this guidance, a justification is required; and this will be reviewed by the Board on an individual case-by-case basis. Individuals may not be simultaneously nominated for more than one award. Care should be taken to nominate only key individuals in group nominations; component awards programs exist to recognize the numerous individuals responsible for particular accomplishments. Presidential appointees normally do not qualify for these awards unless otherwise noted in a specific award description. Each nomination must be accompanied by a short and factual, one paragraph synopsis of the recommendation suitable for use in the awards ceremony program. Several samples of award synopsis paragraphs are attached for your staff to review and use as a model in preparing your submission. Additionally, Attachment 2 of this memorandum describes the nomination procedures. Please ensure that your staffs follow these instructions. Incomplete nominations or those in excess of three pages will be returned to components and will not be considered. Monetary recognition accompanies these awards as follows: Exceptional Service Award $6,000; Exceptional Heroism Award $5,000; Distinguished Service Awards $3,500; Excellence in Management, Excellence in Law Enforcement, Excellence in Information Technology, and the John Marshall Awards $2,500; all other awards $1,500. Please note that in the case of group awards, each individual recipient will receive the full monetary amount. Components are responsible to fund monetary recognition for all recipients employed by their component. The Attorney General's Awards are intended mainly to honor Department employees; however, four awards are available to honor individuals outside the Department. They are:
Please note that monetary awards are prohibited for non-federal employees and members of the U.S. Armed Services. In these cases, the awards will be honorary in nature without monetary recognition. Over the past several years, the number of nominations received by the Board has continued to increase. We recognize that the Department has many employees whose significant contributions merit special recognition. However, in order that only the most deserving nominations come forward, each component should utilize formal screening procedures to select its nominees. The Board is not to be used as the screening agent. Limit your recommendations to one nominee for each type of Attorney General Award or category within an Attorney General Award. If there is a compelling need to exceed this guidance, a justification is required; and this will be reviewed by the Board on an individual case-by-case basis. However, recognizing the unique structure of the Offices of the United States Attorneys, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys may submit three nominees per award category. To ensure that all employees involved in a particular case are recognized for any "out of district" or "out of division" work, you must certify that you have coordinated the award nomination with appropriate officials in the organization where the work was done. You should forward one copy of each nomination personally endorsed by you, and a 3½ inch computer diskette containing all of your nominations and summaries in WordPerfect format to Vince Micone; Chief of Events Management and Community Service and Assistant Executive Secretary, Incentive Awards Board; Personnel Staff, Justice Management Division; National Place Building, Suite 1110; 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; Washington, DC 20530; no later than April 19, 2002. This timeline provides adequate time for the nomination process to be completed. Due to the length of the nominations process this year, late submissions will not be authorized or accepted under any circumstances. Further, your nominations should be turned in such a manner that they could be presented for review to the Attorney General. The list of employee nominees in group awards must be complete and each nomination must be proofed for accuracy. If there are any questions concerning the 50th Annual Awards Ceremony, please have your staff contact Vince Micone on (202) 305-1756. Attachment 1 - The Attorney General's Awards Criteria ATTACHMENT 1 THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARDS CRITERIA THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE a. Description. This is the highest award granted by the Attorney General within the Department of Justice and normally only one is awarded each year. Nominees for the Exceptional Service Award who are not selected will be automatically considered for the Distinguished Service Award. b. Criteria. Achievements or contributions must show at least one of the following: The performance of a special service in the public interest which is over and above normal requirements and of an outstanding and distinctive character in terms of improved operations, public understanding of the Department's mission, or accomplishments of one of the major goals of the Department. Exceptionally outstanding contribution to the Department of Justice and/or exceptionally outstanding leadership in the administration of major programs which resulted in highly successful accomplishments to meet unique or emergency situations. Extraordinary courage and voluntary risk of life in performing an act resulting in direct benefits to the Department or the Nation. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE a. Description. This is the second highest Department of Justice award granted by the Attorney General. Normally eight to fifteen Distinguished Service Awards have been awarded annually. b. Criteria. Superior performance of normal duties will not, in itself, justify this award. To be eligible for consideration, the employee's achievement or service must show at least one of the following: The accomplishment of assigned duties in such an outstanding manner as to be clearly noteworthy among all those who have performed similar duties, or performance of assigned tasks in such an exemplary manner as to set a record of achievement that will inspire others to improve the quality and/or quantity of their work. The exercise of unusual courage or competence in an emergency while on official duty. The rendering of professional service of a unique or distinctive character worthy of significant recognition. Distinguished conduct in the performance of duties over a period of years in a position of responsibility that involves exercise of authority and judgment in matters of marked significance. THE MARY C. LAWTON LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD a. Description. The Mary C. Lawton Lifetime Service Award is designed to recognize employees who have served at least 20 years in the Department and who have demonstrated high standards of excellence and dedication throughout their careers. b. Criteria. To be eligible for consideration, the employee must have significantly contributed to the success of the Department, its goals and mission, by a record of outstanding actions and accomplishments. The award will be given only in exceptional circumstances to those individuals of special merit and not be awarded to express general appreciation for tenure alone. THE JOHN MARSHALL AWARD a. Description. The John Marshall Award, named for the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, is designed to recognize outstanding professional achievement by attorneys of the Department of Justice. There are usually two awards granted annually in each of the three categories for litigation, and one award for each of the other six areas. The John Marshall Award categories and their definitions are as follows: Trial of Litigation. The presentation of a case or cases at the trial level in court or in administrative proceedings. The nominee should be the principal counsel for the Government in conducting significant criminal or civil litigation before a court or administrative tribunal. In situations involving highly significant litigation where attorneys have served as co-counsel and contributed co-equally to the trial effort, a joint nomination would be appropriate. Participation in Litigation. Writing briefs and participation in other litigation-related actions including but not limited to involvement in investigations, securing or interviewing witnesses, obtaining or preparing exhibits, conducting negotiations, and handling ancillary motions or other special proceedings. Support of Litigation. Assistance provided by an attorney in support of the Government's case in litigation, including but not limited to coordination with other agencies, legal research, case review, securing evidence, use or development of litigation support systems, and the effectuation of remedies. Handling of Appeals. The entire spectrum of legal efforts involved in presenting the Government's major cases in appellate courts, including the presentation of oral arguments and supervising or participating in the preparation of written briefs. Providing Legal Advice. Furnishing sound legal opinions and expertise, supported by appropriate documentation and research, in areas involving significant litigation or matters of importance to the Government. Preparation or Handling of Legislation. The research, writing, or support provided by an attorney in the consideration of significant legislation proposed to the Congress, either supported or opposed by the Department. Asset Forfeiture. Legal efforts or other actions by an attorney of any component of the Department in support of the Federal Government's Asset Forfeiture Program. Alternative Dispute Resolution. Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to creatively reach solutions of a matter referred by a client agency or in litigation. Serving as a neutral party in an intergovernmental dispute. Contributing significantly to the development or utilization of ADR case selection criteria. Contributing significantly to the development of ADR training for Department attorneys, client agency staff, or others. Participating and contributing significantly in Department, interagency, volunteer, or other groups which promote the broader use of ADR. Interagency Cooperation in Support of Litigation. This category is to honor attorneys from other government agencies whose cooperation, support, and assistance have helped the Department in significant litigation efforts. In addition to the usual award justification, you must include the name and address of the individual's employing agency, the name and telephone number of his/her immediate supervisor, and a statement that concurrence with the nomination has been obtained from the head of the nominee's employing organization. b. Criteria. All attorneys employed by the Department of Justice are eligible for the award in the first eight categories. Please note that an individual may be nominated for only one category of the John Marshall Award. A nominee must have demonstrated outstanding legal accomplishment in one of these areas. The ninth area, Interagency Cooperation in Support of Litigation, will be available to recognize an attorney or group of attorneys from client agencies which have rendered exceptionally helpful assistance to the Department in high-visibility litigation. This award category will demonstrate the benefits which inure to the public when the existing allocation of litigation responsibility operates without friction between the Department and the client agency, and will recognize the agency's attorney(s) for the role they play in such cooperative endeavors.THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL HEROISM a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Heroism is designed to recognize an extraordinary act of courage or voluntary risk of life during the performance of duty. Normally, only one award will be granted each year and it is not anticipated that a recipient will be selected for this award category under each year's program. b. Criteria. All Department of Justice employees are eligible for nomination. A nominee must have demonstrated extraordinary courage in the course of carrying out the duties of his or her position and have displayed valor in a highly dangerous, life-threatening situation involving efforts to save another person's life or the protection of property. Nominations may be initiated by the employee's immediate supervisor, but must be endorsed by the head of the Department component. THE WILLIAM FRENCH SMITH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO COOPERATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT a. Description. The William French Smith Award is an honorary Award that was established to pay tribute to the memory and achievements of former Attorney General Smith for his establishment of Law Enforcement Coordinating Committees (LECCS) and his outstanding efforts in promoting law enforcement cooperation and coordination throughout the Nation. It is designed to recognize State and local law enforcement officials who, through their participation in LECCS or other cooperative interagency efforts, have made significant contributions to cooperative law enforcement endeavors and objectives. There will normally be only one William French Smith Award granted annually. b. Definition. "Law enforcement official" means any State or local police officer, police department official, district attorney, public safety officer, probation officer, or individual in a similar occupation (whether elective or appointive). c. Criteria. All State or local law enforcement officials who have served as representatives to an LECC or other cooperative interagency effort are eligible for nomination. Nomination of a group of such officials may also be made. A nominee must have made extraordinary contributions or achievements in establishing or improving operational or program effectiveness, efficiency, or productivity. The justification must describe the benefits which have been derived by the law enforcement community or the public by the nominee's contribution to cooperative law enforcement. Nominations must also include the name and address of the individual's employer, the name and telephone number of his/her immediate supervisor, and a statement that concurrence with the nomination has been obtained from the head of the nominee's employing organization. All nominations for this Award must be personally endorsed by the head of a Department component. For group nominations, the name, address, and telephone number of the individual designated to serve as the representative for presentation of award purposes should be specified. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Management is designed to recognize outstanding administrative or managerial achievements which have significantly improved the operations or productivity of the Department or have reduced costs. Generally, only one award will be granted each year under this category. b. Criteria. All supervisory or managerial employees at the GS/GM-13 or higher grade levels are eligible for nomination. A nominee must have made extraordinary contributions or achievements in the improvement of operational or program effectiveness, efficiency or productivity; have reduced or eliminated costs through innovative or special managerial or administrative efforts and initiatives; or have benefited the Department through the reduction or elimination of fraud, waste, mismanagement or abuse. All nominations must contain the personal endorsement of the organization head, and only one employee may be nominated for this award each year by any Department component. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Information Technology is designed to recognize outstanding achievements in applying information technology to improve the operations or productivity of the Department, reduce or avoid costs, or solve problems. Generally, only one award will be granted each year under this category. b. Criteria. All Department of Justice employees are eligible for nomination. Since information technology projects are usually the result of group efforts rather than a single individual, the nomination of teams is encouraged. A nominee or team must have made extraordinary contributions or achievements in the improvement of productivity, efficiency, or operational or program effectiveness; reduced or avoided costs; or creatively solved organizational or mission-related problems through the innovative use of information technology. All nominations must contain the personal endorsement of the organization head, and only one employee or team may be nominated for this award each year by any Department component. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement is designed to recognize outstanding professional achievement by a law enforcement officer of the Department of Justice. Normally there will be one to two awards granted annually. b. Definition. The term "law enforcement officer" means an employee whose primary duties are the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States. c. Criteria. All law enforcement officers employed by the Department of Justice are eligible. A nominee must have demonstrated unusual courage or outstanding accomplishments in the field of law enforcement. Nominations may be submitted by heads of Department components for employees of other Department organizations if they have sufficient knowledge of the employee's performance. However, these nominations must also bear the endorsement of the employee's bureau head in order to be considered for the award. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FURTHERING THE INTERESTS OF U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Furthering the Interests of U.S. National Security is designed to recognize a special act or service by a Department employee who has greatly contributed to protecting U.S. national security.b. Criteria. A nominee or group of nominees must have demonstrated unusual courage or outstanding accomplishments in the field of national security. Nominees for this award are to have greatly contributed to furthering the interests of national security by generally protecting citizens and infrastructure and/or contributing to successful high profile investigations and/or prosecutions in the areas of foreign counter intelligence, terrorism, or espionage. Because of the nature of this work, which is often classified, officials who have supported the Department's national security mission are sometimes not adequately recognized for their acts and performance. Recipients of this award will exemplify such actions and deserving efforts. For the purpose of this award, the term "national security" means those activities related to intelligence, defense and foreign affairs including terrorism, espionage, and threats or attacks against U.S. persons, interests and critical infrastructure. For nominations of non-Departmental officials employed by the U.S. Government, the nominating component head must receive written concurrence from the nominee's employing agency for these nominations. Such endorsement must be attached to the nomination in order to be considered for this award. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Equal Employment Opportunity is designed to recognize the most significant contribution or contributions to the Equal Employment Opportunity Program. Normally, only one award will be granted annually. b. Criteria. This award is not restricted to EEO Program officials. A nomination may be for any manager, employee or group of employees who have made significant contributions to the Department's EEO Program. These contributions could be in the areas of leadership, training, recruitment, conciliation, or any other activity that enhances employment opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and minorities including Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans within any organizational component of the Department. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEGAL SUPPORT a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Legal Support is designed to recognize outstanding achievements in the field of legal support to attorneys. Two awards will be granted each year; one in the area of Paralegal support, and the second for Legal Secretary support. b. Criteria. All Paralegal Specialists and Legal Secretaries at the GS-12 and below grade levels are eligible for nomination. A nominee must have demonstrated outstanding performance in the field of legal support over a sustained period of time or have displayed extraordinary achievements that overcame unusual difficulties or unique situations of high importance to the mission of the employee's organization. While nominations may be initiated by the employee's immediate supervisor, they must contain the personal endorsement of the organization head, and only one employee per category may be nominated by any Department component. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Administrative Support is designed to recognize outstanding administrative or managerial achievements. Two awards will be granted each year; one in the area of Administrative support (e.g., Personnel, Information Systems, Budget, etc.), and the second for general, non-legal Secretarial support. b. Criteria. All administrative and secretarial personnel at the GS-12 and below grade levels are eligible for nomination. A nominee must have demonstrated outstanding performance in the field of administrative support over a sustained period of time or have displayed extraordinary achievements that overcame unusual difficulties or unique situations of high importance to the mission of the employee's organization. While nominations may be initiated by the employee's immediate supervisor, they must contain the personal endorsement of the employee's organization head, and only one employee per category may be nominated by any Department component. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE IN FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT ADMINISTRATION a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Outstanding Service in Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Administration is designated to recognize exceptional dedication to the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act. A nominee's actions through participation in the processes of FOIA administration should foster a spirit of openness in government and dedicated service to FOIA requesters. b. Criteria. This award is not restricted to FOIA officials. A nomination may be made for any supervisor, non-supervisory employee, or group of employees who have made significant contributions to any of the Department's processes of FOIA administration. These contributions could be in the areas of leadership, training, program implementation, administrative support, or any other activity that enhances the Department's response to the FOIA-requester community. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR FRAUD PREVENTION a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Fraud Prevention is designed to recognize those who have been involved with the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud and other white-collar crimes. b. Criteria. A nominee or group of nominees must have demonstrated excellence in the administration of fraud enforcement programs. Efforts may include the successful apprehension of suspects, civil or criminal prosecutions, or other legal remedies to prevent fraudulent activity. Nominees may also be recognized for programs and activities which deter and prevent future acts of fraud through the identification of how criminals operate fraudulent schemes–including the targeted victims, the weaknesses targeted, and the efforts which can be taken to prevent fraudulent schemes. An individual may also be nominated for exceptional efforts to report systematic weaknesses in programs which may lead to fraud and for educating the public about fraud prevention practices. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety recognizes outstanding achievement in the development and/or support of community partnerships designed to address public safety within a community. The award recognizes extraordinary contributions to building collaborations that draw upon the skills and resources of a range of stakeholders within a community--including state and local community leaders, law enforcement personnel, service providers, as well as local residents and representatives of the business community--in addressing public safety, crime prevention and control, community justice, and other community-building and revitalization issues. Nominees should consist of those who have significantly contributed to the development of the partnership, including Departmental employees such as field office staff and leadership; law enforcement officials; community leaders; service providers; local residents; and/or representatives of the business community. The award is honorary in nature, with no monetary recognition for Presidential appointees and non-federal employee recipients. b. Criteria. Nominees must demonstrate a sustained commitment to the community collaborative process and to addressing crime through innovative, effective, and/or efficient crime control and prevention problem-solving, community building, and/or community justice strategies. Nominations must highlight significant contributions to bringing diverse community representatives together, and fostering sustained participation, mutual understanding, and cooperation within the partnership. Nominees must have provided leadership in promoting the collaborative process, and used their skill and energy to support the community partnership in its work to develop new, more effective uses of criminal justice and related resources to address community problems, working in close alliance with community representatives, as well as with state and local officials. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS BY A NEW EMPLOYEE a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee is designed to recognize exceptional performance and notable accomplishments towards the Department's mission by an employee with fewer than five years of service with the Department. b. Criteria. All supervisory and non-supervisory employees with fewer than five years of service with the Department are eligible for nomination. A nominee must have demonstrated outstanding support of organizational programs or operations through extraordinary performance or achievements. While nominations may be initiated by the employee's immediate supervisor, they must contain the personal endorsement of the employee's organization head, and only one employee may be nominated by any Department component. THE CUBBY DORSEY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE BY A FEDERAL WAGE GRADE SYSTEM EMPLOYEE a. Description. The Cubby Dorsey Award for Outstanding Service by a Federal Wage Grade System Employee is designed to recognize extraordinary performance and contributions by wage grade system employees, including laborers, mechanics, and skilled craft workers. Generally, only one award will be granted each year. b. Criteria. All employees in the Federal Wage Grade System category, including supervisors and leaders, are eligible for nomination. A nominee must have demonstrated outstanding support of organizational programs or operations through extraordinary performance or achievements. While nominations may be initiated by the employee's immediate supervisor, they must be endorsed by the organization head. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S MERITORIOUS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD a. Description. The Attorney General's Award for Meritorious Public Service is the top public service award granted by the Department and is designed to recognize the most significant contributions of citizens and organizations who have assisted the Department in the accomplishment of its missions and objectives. There will normally be only one Meritorious Public Service Award granted annually. b. Criteria. To be eligible for the Meritorious Public Service Award, the nominations must contain the following information: A brief biographical sketch of the nominee including: full name, date of birth, home address, level of education, organizations to which he or she belongs (if applicable), occupation, and name and address of employer (if applicable). Date of the achievement or contribution and the place where it occurred. A narrative statement of the outstanding endeavor or achievement for which the candidate is being nominated. A factual explanation of how the contributions were reflected in the work of the Department. For group or organizational nominations, the name and address of the individual designated to serve as the representative for presentation of award purposes should be specified. ATTACHMENT 2 NOMINATING PROCEDURES AND FORMAT FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S AWARDS a. Procedures. Nominations for the Attorney General's awards must have the personal endorsements of the heads (or acting heads) of Department components. If you plan to nominate an individual outside your own organization, you must obtain the concurrence of the respective head of that individual's employing organization. Nominations will generally be accepted for individuals whose accomplishments are not pending final action or a pending legal case. Individuals may not be simultaneously nominated for more than one award. Careful attention should be paid to group nominations to ensure the inclusion of all significantly contributing individuals in group nominations. Care should be taken to nominate only key individuals in group nominations; component awards programs exist to recognize the numerous individuals responsible for particular accomplishments. Components should seek to recognize employees who have not been previously honored with Attorney General's awards. The Attorney General's awards shall not be used to recognize and honor retirees; these awards honor past contributions and offer incentives for future performance. Nominations must be submitted to the Assistant Executive Secretary of the Incentive Awards Board/John Marshall Awards Panel, who will forward the nominations to the Board for review and recommendations to the Attorney General for final approval. Due to the length of the nominations process, late submissions will not be authorized or accepted under any circumstances. Further, your nominations should be turned in such a manner that they could be presented for review to the Attorney General. The list of employee nominees in group awards must be complete and each nomination must be proofed for accuracy. b. Format. Nominations shall be no more than three pages in length, submitted in writing, and must contain the following information: The name of the award. Nominations for the John Marshall Award must also specify the one category of this Award for which the nominee is recommended. The nominee's name, position title, grade, organizational location, Social Security number, and work telephone number. Correct spelling, with middle initial and suffix (if applicable), should be confirmed. Official position title should also be confirmed. Components will be responsible for the correction of any errors on award devices, programs, or other materials. Components shall bear all costs or fees associated with errors caused by inaccurate or incorrect information which they forward. A brief description of assigned duties during the period covered by the recommendation, and dates of the service for which the award is recommended. A justification describing the achievement or contribution, showing clearly the manner in which the nominee is considered to have met the criteria for the award for which he/she is nominated. A listing of previous honors and awards. A one paragraph synopsis (summary) of the achievement(s) upon which the nomination is based. The signature of the nominating component head or designee. The synopsis should be concise, descriptive, and fully outline the outstanding achievement(s) related to the award for which the employee is nominated. It should be written with the assumption that your nominee will be selected for the award, and this paragraph will appear in the Annual Awards Ceremony program. Attachment 3 provides a sample synopsis of the achievements of award winners for each Attorney General's Award category in past awards ceremonies. ATTACHMENT 3 SELECTED SAMPLES OF AWARD SYNOPSIS PARAGRAPHS AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE Presented to the team for exceptional service to the Department and Nation for their relentless efforts in the investigation and prosecution of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols for the vicious and tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Their unparalleled dedication and teamwork in pursuing this prosecution for two and one-half years, maintaining intensity and focus, despite being uprooted from their families and homes, resulted in bringing to justice those responsible for the deadliest terrorist attack in the Nation's history. AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Michael R. Dreeben is recognized for his exemplary and sustained role in representing the United States in criminal matters before the Supreme Court, and for coordinating component law enforcement responsibilities regarding the full spectrum of important criminal law issues. Mr. Dreeben has performed the role of Supreme Court advocate for the Federal government in a truly exemplary manner. His ability to articulate clearly and powerfully the Government's case has been a major factor in the Department's success in United States v. Ursery, a civil-forfeiture double jeopardy case; Hudson v. United States, a civil penalty double jeopardy case; and United States v. O'Hagan, a securities fraud misappropriation case. Mr. Dreeben has also served as a teacher and inspiration to numerous appellate advocates in the Department's criminal practice, and he has assumed the role of counselor to trial prosecutors faced with novel and difficult questions in the Department's most important cases. MARY C. LAWTON LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD Eugene L. Coon, Jr., is honored for career accomplishments which have earned him great respect and recognition by the entire U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). Mr. Coon enjoys a reputation as a fair and reasonable manager, and he is a valued member of the USMS Executive Team. Some of his accomplishments follow: he has the primary responsibility for the protection of the judiciary and criminal defendants at trial; he plays a pivotal role in developing standards for all levels of security for Federal buildings and courthouses; he recently oversaw the agency's development and participation in the President's Vulnerability Study following the Oklahoma City bombing; and, he is one of only a handful of current Federal employees who have specialized knowledge of the Witness Security Program and its operations. Mr. Coon is the epitome of a civil servant who has dedicated his professional life to the mission of the United States Marshals Service. JOHN MARSHALL AWARDS Support of Litigation Brett M. Parchert is honored for his exceptional work in obtaining deportation orders against alien terrorists, and for his service not only to the INS's attorneys in the field, but also to the Department and outside agencies as an expert authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act. He is frequently called upon by other attorneys for his expertise on numerous issues relating to immigration law as it applies to alien terrorists and the proper handling and safeguarding of classified information in administrative removal proceedings. His indefatigable efforts have helped lead to the removal of aliens who posed threats to our national security. Providing Legal Advice Maureen H. Killion is honored for outstanding achievement and initiative in providing current, accurate, and thorough legal advice regarding the panoply of subjects handled by the Office of Enforcement Operations, including the use of the Federal electronic surveillance statutes and the operation of the International Prisoner Transfer Program, as well as numerous complex areas of criminal law, to prosecutors and investigators throughout the Federal law enforcement community, and serving as one of the Department's key experts throughout the myriad subject areas within her purview as Senior Associate Director of the Office of Enforcement Operations. Preparation or Handling of Legislation Presented to the group in recognition of extraordinary skill in negotiating two related interstate water compacts with representatives of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, and have likely avoided many years of costly litigation. This included the coordination and development of the implementing legislation and ensuring timely Administration approval. Thanks to the patience and persuasiveness of Messrs. Findlay, Walch, and Haag, the compacts have been ratified by the States' legislatures and Congress, and these new laws now show great promise for resolving a very complex water dispute. Interagency Cooperation in Support of Litigation Deputy Attorney General Ronald David Smetana is honored for his leadership, skill, and perseverance in successfully prosecuting the case of United States v. Connie C. Armstrong, et al., an $80 million business fraud case involving the collapse of a national payroll tax service company called Hamilton Taft & Co. The investigation involved the painstaking collection and analysis of voluminous financial records showing the systematic diversion of millions of dollars of tax monies for personal benefit, such as a Texas ranch with a show ring, a Gulfstream jet, a suite at a luxury hotel in San Francisco, and lavish parties with high-priced entertainers. The three-month trial presented complex financial data and contractual provisions in a compellingly simple format. In securing guilty verdicts and lengthy sentences, Mr. Smetana demonstrated a remarkable mastery of the facts and incredible stamina in shepherding the case through a maze of parallel proceedings, successive defense attorneys, and replaced investigators and co-counsel. AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL HEROISM Presented to the group in recognition of their courageous actions on April 3, 1997, at the United States Penitentiary at Lompoc when an inmate mortally wounded an officer, Scott Williams, in an unprovoked, vicious attack. Although mortally wounded, Officer Williams' last act of life was protecting a fellow officer. Officers Elliott, Leedham, Marquez, and Stephenson each suffered serious injuries as they came to Officer Williams' aid. The bravery and heroic valor is in the highest tradition of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and all law enforcement agencies. Their selfless disregard for their personal safety, and courageous willingness to risk their own well being to protect the lives of fellow officers, make them among the best of correctional professionals. WILLIAM FRENCH SMITH AWARD Presented to Charles Moose, Chief of Police for Portland, Oregon, a dynamic leader in promoting the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement through cooperative policing. He has been instrumental locally and nationally in creating a true spirit of partnership among law enforcement entities, bridging the gap between those agencies and the communities they serve. This is especially evident in many of the Attorney General's priority areas, such as domestic terrorism, violent crimes, hate crimes, and civil rights law enforcement. Chief Moose serves as Chair of the Regional Drug Initiative and as a key member of the Oregon Criminal Justice and National Crime Prevention Commissions. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT Regina A. Sullivan is honored for extraordinary efforts as the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Personnel Director. While responding to an array of daily calls for assistance from over 90 institutions, six Regional Offices, and numerous Central Office staff, she has been instrumental in the development of a new performance evaluation program; providing training updates to all human resource managers; working closely with staff throughout the Bureau and Department to address concerns raised by D.C. Department of Corrections staff in conjunction with the Revitalization Act; and guaranteed that the Bureau's interests were addressed through participation at numerous workgroups, task forces, and meetings. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Presented to the team in recognition of their efforts on Project FIREBIRD. Project FIREBIRD has given Special Agents the ability to access time sensitive information. This access includes the ability for Special Agents to search voluminous amounts of data in minutes and hours instead of days or weeks. FIREBIRD has set a standard for the Department and other government agencies in the development and implementation of a mainstream information technology infrastructure that can be expanded to meet the needs of the law enforcement community in the future. The FIREBIRD teams have proven that, with dedication, willingness to work long exhaustive hours, expertise, professionalism, team work, and a strong belief in the mission, anything is possible to achieve in spite of the odds. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT Special Agent Bradley J. Garrett and Supervisory Special Agent Scott G. Jessee are honored for their exceptional efforts in the four-year international manhunt for Mir Aimal Kansi, the man responsible for killing two and wounding three other Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employees at the entrance to the CIA Headquarters on January 25, 1993. As the FBI's primary presence in Pakistan, Mr. Jessee negotiated the eventual delivery of Kansi where he could be apprehended by American agents. Mr. Garrett led the FBI arrest team, which apprehended Kansi within Pakistan on June 15, 1997. Their outstanding leadership and dedication to this investigation led to Kansi's conviction for capital murder and a sentence of death by the presiding judge. CAREER ENHANCEMENT AWARD Epifanio Elizondo, a Commander in the Public Health Service assigned to Federal Medical Center, Fort Worth, is honored for his outstanding contributions to the Federal Bureau of Prisons Physician Assistant Training Program. As a result of Mr. Elizondo's guidance, students in this program obtained bachelor's degrees and successfully completed National Boards given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. These graduates will now serve as certified professionals for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEGAL SUPPORT Paralegal Category Sherrie L. Schlosser is recognized for her accomplishments with the U.S. Trustee's Office in Detroit, Michigan. With responsibility for the supervision of 23 private bankruptcy trustees with a caseload of 4,600 chapter 7 cases, Ms. Schlosser is a valuable resource to the Office, private trustees, and other staff. She provides training to all trustees on policies and reporting requirements; audits the trustees' operations to determine the soundness of internal controls and administrative procedures; assists with the development and execution of the office's oversight function; and provides litigation support to staff attorneys by conducting legal research and developing case histories based on sound analysis of financial transactions. Her exemplary work has had a positive impact on the operations of the U.S. Trustee Program in the Eastern District of Michigan. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Secretarial Category Paula A. Williams is honored for her accomplishments as a team secretary in the Office of Legislative Affairs. Ms. Williams not only supported the legislative work of the entire team, but also scheduled more than 50 courtesy visits for Departmental nominees requiring Senate confirmation. She prepared briefing books for the courtesy visits for the nominees which included the Deputy Attorney General, Associate Attorney General, and Solicitor General. In addition, Ms. Williams demonstrated invaluable assistance and initiative in handling hundreds of letters received by the Office from the Immigration and Naturalization Service which were addressed to Members of Congress. The exemplary organizational and administrative skills demonstrated by Ms. Williams have been invaluable in advancing the mission of her office and the Department. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS BY A NEW EMPLOYEE Since joining the Civil Division's Appellate Staff in September, 1995, Alisa B. Klein has repeatedly distinguished herself, displaying an extraordinary combination of ability, energy, and judgment that has produced outstanding work, and led her to success in difficult and highly sensitive cases. Ms. Klein has been a principal architect of the Department's defense against challenges to the Violence Against Women Act with her efforts in Brzonkala v. Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Ms. Klein was also a key drafter of a successful brief in Dellwood Farms, Inc. v. Cargill, Inc., in which the Department obtained extraordinary relief from the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit that protected investigatory materials compiled in connection with ongoing criminal investigations. In sum, Ms. Klein's exceptional ability and her remarkable contributions to the appellate work of the Government during her first few years with the Department are exemplary. CUBBY DORSEY AWARD Mark W. McDougall is honored for his outstanding performance providing significant and noteworthy improvements in aircraft availability and safety. Mr. McDougall's actions during routine and emergency situations ensured two aircraft and crew were not placed in harms way. Mr. McDougall also saved a significant amount of time and money in rebuilding an aircraft that would have otherwise been scrapped. His exemplary achievements have been integral to the accomplishment of the Border Patrol's Air Operations mission. MERITORIOUS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD Alonzo Carpenter is honored for his unfailing commitment to the St. Petersburg, Florida, Weed and Seed initiative. In the face of opposition from a local organization, as well as personal insults, threats, and vandalism to his home, he has never wavered in his resolve to assure a better quality of life for the residents of South St. Petersburg. A businessman in the Weed and Seed area, Mr. Carpenter serves as Resident Co-Chairperson of the Steering Committee. He employs the strategic planning skills that he gained from his career with the U.S. Army to assure that the residents' plans for a safer, more caring community where job, education, and youth opportunities are able to flourish. |