U.S. Marshals Service in the Western District of Texas Receives 2 Awards at 41st Director’s Honorary Awards Ceremony

San Antonio, TX – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in the Western District of Texas received the Group Task Force (District) Award and the Administrative Employee of the Year Award at the 41st Director’s Honorary Awards Ceremony held Jan. 18 in the Great Hall, Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice Building at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis presented the Group Task Force Award to the Western District of Texas — Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) — the enforcement and fugitive apprehension arm established in 2005 comprising local, state, and federal agencies from the second largest district in the nation, extending across 68 counties and 93,000 square miles, with boundaries along the international border of Mexico and seated in Central and Mountain time zones.

The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) significantly reduced crime throughout the region by conducting daily enforcement operations by apprehending the most dangerous criminals who victimize citizens in our local communities. The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) targeted and successfully conducted Operation Washout Silver Bear and Operation Washout II in the San Antonio and Waco divisions. These two operations resulted in 316 arrests, 71 of which were gang affiliated, as well as the seizure of 51 firearms, 105.561 kilograms of narcotics and over $57,000 in U.S. currency.

The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) continues to take pride in the overall success of the U.S. Marshals Service by being selected as one of five locations to participate in Phase 1 implementation of Body Worn Cameras for federal law enforcement. Members of this task force have been at the forefront of the federally mandated Body Worn Cameras(BWC) Program and continue to assist with the development of policy directives and standard operational procedures by fostering public trust with programs that enhance transparency and accountability.

The Administrative Employee of the Year Award was presented to the District's Assistant Chief of Administration, Sherry Poligala. This award is presented to the employee who best exemplifies the attributes, traits, and dedication of an administrative employee within the agency.

Poligala improved the developmental and promotional opportunities for administrative employees and envisioned an administrative staffing structure that enhanced work life and provided multiple advantages for the district and the agency.

"These two awards recognized our team of outstanding personnel across the district that highlight the leadership, dedication, and values of Justice, Integrity, and Service. It also demonstrates our commitment of service to our communities and to our employees" said U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas, Susan Pamerleau.

The U.S. Marshals Service in the Western District of Texas has offices located in Alpine, Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, Pecos, San Antonio, and Waco.