Diplomatic Security Special Agent Wins Prestigious Law Enforcement Award for Role in Evacuation of U.S. Citizens from LebanonBureau of Diplomatic SecurityWashington, DC June 25, 2007 Andrews Becomes First DS Special Agent to Take Top WIFLE Honor
Special Agent Andrews was to receive her award June 27 in Rancho Mirage, CA at a presentation honoring her and other women in federal law enforcement. WIFLE is a non-profit organization established in June 1999. It is the only organization offering awards to promote and recognize exceptional courage, outstanding accomplishments, and significant contributions that have advanced the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women in federal law enforcement. All full-time sworn women federal law enforcement officers are eligible for the Julie Y. Cross Award. The award is made to the nominee who best displays an unusual degree of courage, stamina, and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, resulting in an exceptional heroic achievement in law enforcement. Andrews was nominated for the award by U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Ronald L. Schlicher, who cited her work in coordinating the efforts of 300-plus military and civilian colleagues who helped evacuate more than 14,000 Americans from Lebanon via Cyprus in July 2006 during the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict. Ambassador Schlicher praised Andrews’ heroism as reflecting “the highest ideals of public service.” Andrews also demonstrated extraordinary and tireless devotion to her fellow Americans and their families in safely evacuating them from harm’s way, he said. Andrews is a graduate of Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in Maryland. She graduated cum laude from Newberry College with a Bachelors Degree in International Government and Economics. She joined the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service as a Special Agent in 1990. Prior to her posting in Cyprus, Andrews served at U.S. diplomatic posts in Kuwait, Tegucigalpa, and Cairo, at the Diplomatic Security Training Center, and at Diplomatic Security headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. More information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds. Contact: |
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Diplomatic Security Special Agent Joan Andrews has won the 2007 Women in Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Julie Y. Cross – International Award for her work in evacuating U.S. citizens from Lebanon during last summer’s conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Andrews is the first Special Agent from the U.S. Department of State to receive this honor.