CBP Recognizes Outstanding Employees During Annual Awards Ceremony

WASHINGTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recognized more than 360 outstanding employees during the Commissioner's Annual Award Ceremony Nov. 20 at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller, left, and Acting Deputy Commissioner Pete R. Flores present the 2024 Commissioner's Awards to CBP employees for exceptional service during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., November 20, 2024. CBP Photo by Glenn Fawcett

"This is no ordinary mission, and there is simply no ordinary work day. And you - the men and women of CBP - are the very best in the world at what you do," said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. "Whether your uniform is green, blue, or tan; whether your workstation is the front seat of a dusty pick-up, under the hood of a Forward Operating Lab, or in the cockpit of a Blackhawk; or maybe a primary booth, under the canopy of a checkpoint, in the front seat of a fastboat, or even at the Ronald Reagan building-from San Diego to Blaine, Miami to Swanton, and everywhere in between-you're dedicated. Vigilant. Resilient. Strong. You are people of the highest integrity. You are America's frontline. You are heroes."

During the ceremony, CBP presented individual and team awards across 22 categories, including recognition for heroism, safety, integrity, best practices, volunteer service, and leadership, contributing to safer communities and more secure borders. The complete list of awards included:

• Medal of Honor for Heroism
• Meritorious Service Award for Valor
• Leadership Award
• Integrity Award
• Excellence in Law Enforcement Actions
• Best Practices, Efficiency, and Innovation Award
• Career Achievement Award
• Diana Dean and Jose Melendez-Perez Anti-Terrorism Award
• Distinguished Service to Safety Award
• Emerging Leader Award
• Mission Integration Award
• Excellence in Mission Support Award
• Excellence in Task Forces and Investigations Award
• Excellence in Intelligence Award
• Partnering and Stakeholder Engagement Award
• Trade and Facilitation Award
• Unsung Heroes Award
• Volunteer Service Award
• Workforce Care
• Workforce Engagement and Inclusion Award
• Special Recognition Award
• Resiliency Award

These employees' dedication was crucial in CBP's fight against transnational criminal organizations that traffic deadly fentanyl, other dangerous drugs, and contraband, without regard for human life. Over the past two years, CBP has seized more than 50,000 pounds of fentanyl, enough to produce over 2 billion lethal doses. The awardees played a vital role in these efforts, as well as processing more than 1.4 billion de minimis shipments. In 2024, they were instrumental in operations to stop 425 shipments valued at over $65 million, that were suspected of being linked to forced labor, and seizing $1,873 shipments containing counterfeit goods worth more than $366 million and many more efforts to protect our nation's borders.

"The threats we face are constant and evolving," Mr. Miller said. "We must continue to meet these challenges with the same dedication, integrity, and determination that we have since this agency was created. Our mission is to protect our country and our communities. We will not fail."

Mr. Miller also emphasized that this type of heroism doesn't come without family support.

"I would also like to welcome our families, friends, and colleagues who are joining us today. I'm honored to be able to recognize you, too," he said. "I can tell you firsthand: your support means everything to us. Between late nights and early mornings, to missed moments big and small. Simply put, we would not be here without you."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.