Posted by Secretary Napolitano

Today, I’m proud to announce outstanding DHS employees who are being recognized as part of Faces of Homeland Security: Heroes on the Front Lines initiative. These individuals have gone above and beyond to carry out the Department’s mission of helping keep our nation safe and secure.

The stories of these heroes are a testament not just to their dedication and service, but to all those who serve. Take Wayne Anderson , a former Secret Service agent who now works to provide critical law enforcement training to the men and women protecting our homeland with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. On September 11, 2001, Wayne was part of a small group of agents who went into the burning World Trade Center towers in search of missing personnel, risking his own life to save others.

Or look at Border Patrol Agent Jose Martinez , who responded to an urgent request for assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. With an active shooter still posing a threat, Agent Martinez volunteered to rescue a wounded woman, who survived thanks to his bravery.

Back in June we launched Faces of Homeland Security: Heroes on the Front Lines to share the stories of inspiring DHS employees who have gone above and beyond to prevent terrorism, secure our borders, enforce our immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and prepare for, help communities respond to and recover from disasters.

Every day thousands of men and women come to work at DHS dedicated to securing our country. Together, with our federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, we work to protect America, along our borders, over our skies, and in the interior of our country.

I hope you will take some time to read the stories of these dedicated individuals who embody the ideals of service and sacrifice. They are just a few examples of the many Faces of Homeland Security, working on the front lines every day, at home and abroad, to protect America.