CHARLOTTE AMALIE — U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F Shappert said today that five members of the Virgin Islands U.S. Attorney’s Office (VI-USAO) were recognized this morning in Washington, D.C. at the 35th Annual Department of Justice Director’s Award Ceremony for their extraordinary service following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The award was presented in recognition of the hard work and initiative demonstrated by USAO employees.
In September of 2017, the VI-USAO was the only USAO to encounter two Category 5 hurricanes in less than two weeks.
A core team of USAO personnel worked tirelessly to ensure that VI-USAO offices in both St. Thomas and St. Croix could resume operations and continue the work of the Department of Justice.
Alphonso Andrews, Meredith Edwards, Daniel Leinenbach, Ingrid Richardson, and Keima Willett were honored in a ceremony in the Great Hall that included remarks by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and other senior DOJ officials.
The awards presentation included a video featuring VI-USAO award recipients.
“The Virgin Islands U.S. Attorney’s Office is one of the smallest of the 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the nation, and it is tremendously significant that this team of exceptional Virgin Islanders has been recognized with this important national award,” said U.S. Attorney Shappert. “After Irma and Maria, members of the staff worked tirelessly to re-open the office, support the federal courts, and help ensure the safety of our community. Today’s award recognizes their dedication and service.”