The 2020 Secretary’s Award for Valor is the department’s highest award for extraordinary acts of heroism or courage involving great risk by employees under unusual circumstances. To be eligible for this award, an employee must have demonstrated heroism or courage in an emergency – on or off duty.
Jason S. Weatherby
United States Customs and Border Protection
For responding to a call for assistance concerning a kayak that had flipped over; he selflessly entered fast moving waters, at great personal risk, to rescue the 70-year-old kayaker who had capsized.
Garryck Hampton
Transportation Security Administration
For rescuing two kayakers adrift and capsized in the Pacific Ocean while on a family outing at Dorian Beach, California.
6531 and 6544 Golden Ray Response Team
United States Coast Guard
Michael Vickers
Robert Mineo
Jeb Slick
Maximillian Sherno
Eric Young
Nathan Newberg
Joseph Kelly
Jared Blitz
For launching an extraordinary rescue effort to save the 24-member crew of motor vessel Golden Ray in St. Simons Sound, Georgia.