2008 Finalists—Homeland Security Medal
This award will recognize a federal employee for a significant contribution to the nation in activities related to homeland security (including border and transportation security, emergency preparedness and response, intelligence and law enforcement). This medal is accompanied by a $3,000 award.
Dr. Eddie Bernard
Position: Director, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Location: Seattle, Washington
Residence: Seattle, Washington
Achievement: Created a tsunami detection system that has dramatically increased warning times and decreased the risk of catastrophic loss of life
Michael Butler
Position: Program Manager, Managed Service Office
Agency: General Services Administration
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Residence: Fairfax, Virginia
Achievement: Created a new smart card credentialing system that is improving the security of federal properties and computer networks, in addition to saving taxpayer dollars
Frank J. DiFalco
Position: Director, National Operations Center
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Location: Washington, D.C.
Residence: Bowie, Maryland
Achievement: Helped establish and currently leads the National Operations Center, which has improved interagency and intergovernmental coordination regarding homeland security matters
Victor M. Manjarrez, Jr. and the Operation Lifeguard Team
Position: Chief Patrol Agent
Agency: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso Sector
Location: El Paso, Texas
Residence: El Paso, Texas
Achievement: Established an unprecedented alliance between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials to reduce the number of illegal border crossings
Dr. Renate Reimschuessel
Position: Research Biologist, Center for Veterinary Medicine
Agency: Food and Drug Administration
Location: Laurel, Maryland
Residence: Reisterstown, Maryland
Achievement: Made the scientific breakthrough to identify the cause of the largest pet food recall in history and is currently conducting critical research to guarantee the safety of imported foods
The Service to America Medals are presented annually by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to celebrate excellence in our federal civil service.
