2014 Secretary's Award for Valor
On May 14, 2014, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson presented the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary’s Award for Valor to ten employees who have displayed exceptional courage and valor either while serving the Department, or while off-duty acting only as a concerned citizen willing to help a fellow American in need.
Secretary Johnson, along with Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and DHS senior leadership, recognized ten individuals for their actions of bravery and courage during 2013 and 2014. Their selfless actions saved individuals from harm, rescued another’s life, and protected infrastructure in support of the nation’s security. Nominations for the award came from peers and leadership throughout the Department, including both civilian and military personnel.
- Press Release: Secretary Johnson Presents Secretary's Award for Valor (5/14/2014)
The following individuals, listed by component order, received the Secretary’s Award for Valor, the highest recognition from the Department for extraordinary acts of valor:
Jari J. Karttunen
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Carl Wegierski
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Christopher Cronen
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Matthew Malmquist
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
William Bronsteen
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Eddie Palacios
Transportation Security Administration
Jesse Meerscheidt
U.S. Coast Guard
Bryan J. Koenig
United States Secret Service
William E. Grimmer
United States Secret Service
Thomas A. Hammond
United States Secret Service