The Secretary's Valor Award 2015

The Secretary’s Award for Valor is the highest departmental recognition for extraordinary acts of valor by an employee or group, occurring while on or off duty. The award is given in exceptional circumstances to those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in a highly dangerous, life-threatening situation or emergency under extreme stress and involving a specific act of valor, such as saving another person’s life or property. Both civilian and military employees of the Department are eligible for this award.

This year's winners are listed below, along with a description of their contributions and achievements:

For extraordinary valor and great courage in saving multiple lives from a burning vehicle.

Operation Pandemonium Team

Anibal J. Cardona-Perez, CBP
Christian G. Hover, CBP

For extraordinary heroism in saving an individual from a burning vehicle.

Jeremiah Gussoni, ICE

For remarkable courage in stopping a weapon-wielding assailant, preventing the loss of life of passengers and employees.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Concourse-B Security Screening Team

Carol A. Richel, TSA
Walter T. Johnson, TSA
Christopher Lucia, TSA
Randell Lundsgaard, TSA

For extraordinary service and selfless courage in braving harsh weather elements to save four individuals from a sinking ship.

Aviation Survival Technician Evan A. Staph, USCG