Carper receives DHS Distinguished Public Service Medal

Sen. Tom Carper, top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, was awarded the Department of Homeland Security Distinguished Public Service Medal. The medal, which is the agency's highest honor bestowed on a civilian, is given to an individual for their exceptionally distinguished and transformational public service to strengthen homeland security. Awarded only in rare circumstances, the recipients embody the most honorable traditions of service in support of both DHS and the country.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson presented Carper with the award today at Delaware State University, where he discussed cybersecurity and how the agency is working with Congress to protect against the unique and ever-evolving threats we face today. Johnson also participated in the university's cyber job fair to highlight the growing need to recruit good cyber talent across government, but particularly at DHS. Carper and  Johnson were also joined by Gov. Jack Markell and DSU President Dr. Harry Lee Williams.

Past recipients of the award include Bill Bratton, former commissioner of the New York Police Department, former Senator and Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Joe Lieberman and former Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.).