ATF FORENSIC CHEMIST RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS FLEMMING AWARD

WASHINGTON – Michelle Ricketts Reardon, a forensic chemist at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Laboratory Center, was honored today with the prestigious Arthur S. Flemming Award in the applied science and mathematics category.

At an awards ceremony at George Washington University here, Reardon was cited for her consistent demonstration of superior service as a forensic chemist to the scientific and law enforcement communities. The award also noted her role as a principle investigator in research projects that aid the forensic science, law enforcement and homeland security communities, and the technical assistance she provides in federal investigations as a member of ATF’s National Response Team.

“Michelle Reardon’s dedication and professionalism as a forensic chemist has positively impacted ATF, as well as other federal, state, local and international law enforcement communities,” ATF Director Carl J. Truscott said. “Her research projects will definitely aid the homeland security effort and forensic examiners throughout the world.”

Director of Laboratory Services Michael Ethridge said Reardon’s “extraordinary efforts in providing training to law enforcement and forensic personnel have resulted in better-trained law enforcement officers and forensic examiners.”

Reardon joined ATF as a forensic chemist in August 2000. Her duties include the analysis of intact and post-blast evidence from bomb-related crimes. She also provides technical assistance to the law enforcement community, and develops and teaches law enforcement and other first responders about bombings.

Reardon is the first ATF employee to receive a Flemming award. The Flemming program has recognized outstanding men and women in the federal government annually. The award is named after Dr. Arthur Sherwood Flemming, whose career included service as president of three universities, secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and chairman of the U.S. Commission on Aging and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Annually up to12 federal employees are recognized in the categories of science, applied science and administrative.

 

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