The Homeland Security Today awards annually recognize the people who devote their lives to protecting our people, our resources, and our way of life. From heroic efforts on duty to invaluable efforts behind the scenes, annually we gather to celebrate excellence, honor, and the daily successes of those working on the front lines and in a support capacity to ensure the safety of all Americans. We are proud to honor the following 2024 award recipients.
HOMELAND’S HUMAN FIREWALL
Homeland’s Human Firewall is a new award to recognize the tireless efforts and achievements of those keeping our cyber infrastructure protected.
HOMELAND’s HUMAN FIREWALL – FEDERAL
Edam Colón, Acting Executive Advisor, Information Technology, Transportation Security Administration
Edam Colón, acting Executive Advisor for TSA’s Information Technology (IT) office, 
exemplifies the essence of the Homeland Human Firewall award through his commitment to cybersecurity and dedication to protecting critical systems. Known for his proactive approach to preventing cyber threats and adaptability to evolving technology, Colón has demonstrated what it truly means to be a “human firewall” within the public sector.
In his role as Executive Advisor to TSA’s CIO Opeyemi Oshinnaiye and Deputy CIO Kristin Ruiz, Colón leverages extensive cybersecurity experience from his prior role as an IT Cybersecurity Specialist within the Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Division (IAD). There, he was instrumental in defending TSA’s computer and network systems, applying his expertise to secure key infrastructures essential to TSA’s mission.
Colón’s achievements include developing cybersecurity requirements and testing protocols for TSA’s Checkpoint Property Screening Systems, Advanced Imaging Technology, Credential Authentication Terminal, and Explosive Detection Systems. Additionally, he led efforts to modernize the evaluation requirements for Transportation Security Equipment, enhancing resilience against emerging cyber threats.
Recognized for his outstanding work within IAD, Colón stepped into the role of acting Executive Advisor, bringing cybersecurity insights to high-impact initiatives that drive the modernization of TSA’s technology infrastructure. His expertise has been especially valuable in transportation security equipment procurements and in guiding security architectural design reviews, fortifying TSA’s information systems.
Through his cybersecurity skills and strategic contributions, Colón has made a significant and positive impact on TSA’s mission, supporting the agency’s broader goal of protecting travelers. His work has strengthened TSA’s resilience, ensuring that the agency remains prepared to address sophisticated cybersecurity challenges, setting a high standard for security in the transportation sector.
Each year, Homeland Security Today honors shining stars in the community who are making their own unique, invaluable contributions to advance the mission of keeping America safer from myriad threats. Their strong commitment to mission touches every part of their work, from day-to-day operations to special projects and work in the community.
Allan M. Collier, Requirements Manager, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Air cargo screening is a critical pillar of aviation security, standing alongside checked and checkpoint baggage screening as well as passenger screening, demanding tailored 
requirements not only for the equipment but also for processes. This responsibility falls to private, TSA-certified cargo screening firms, which rely on precise regulatory guidelines. These requirements demand extensive expertise across the entire air cargo supply chain—a specialized knowledge area where TSA’s Requirements Manager, Allan Collier, has met, and exceeded mission for more than two decades.
Collier has dedicated his career to developing and refining air cargo screening requirements, collaborating closely with the Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate of DHS to ensure new screening systems align with TSA specifications. His contributions have fortified the security of the air cargo sector, allowing it to safely expand and adapt to a landscape marked by rising cargo volumes and evolving security threats.
Collier’s work is broad and intricate, spanning support for research and development, field testing, covert testing, data analysis, and enhanced training. In his collaborative work with entities like DHS, CBP, Secret Service, National Labs, and numerous TSA divisions, Collier has pioneered a risk-based approach to air cargo security that adapts to new threats and leverages emerging technologies. His quiet, consistent work behind the scenes has been essential in maintaining safety standards and shaping a future-proof approach to air cargo security.
Daniel Boyd, Identity Management Team, Transportation Security Administration
In his role on the TSA Identity Management team, Daniel Boyd wears many hats – he serves
as a project manager, Contracting Officer Representative, industry liaison, and stakeholder manager for some of the Agency’s highest priority mission-focused initiatives. He is truly the ‘backbone’ of the IDM team, and drives the day-to-day tasks that make sure the enterprise is capturing the security & operational benefits of all identity-related technologies, including biometrics, mobile drivers licenses, digital identities, and more. Dan not only manages several of these high-priority projects, he also works tirelessly with industry, public, & private partners to coordinate contracting activities and technology demonstrations for next-generation technologies. He is the tip of the spear and lead coordinator for many of the Agency’s most public and high-impact mission projects, and all those who work with him both inside TSA and externally can attest to his dedication to the mission, collaborative approach, and one-team attitude.
As program manager for the TSA’s Innovation Task Force, Boyd provided project management expertise to a number of innovation lane projects and managed the work scope, budget formulation and execution; cost schedule, performance, and risk; acquisition; test and evaluation; program and project integration. He reviewed internal processes to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.
His professionalism built credibility, established rapport, and maintained communication with stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the division.He also represented TSA as a technical point of contact on innovation lane projects, programs, and other work activities and regularly briefed internal and external audiences to secure understanding on or obtain consensus/approval of innovation strategy. For this work Boyd won the DHS Secretary’s award for Innovation in 2022.
Dan rarely takes credit for his achievements, and absolutely deserves recognition for his above-and-beyond commitment to his team, the Agency, and the safety of the traveling public.
Ross Bezark, Field Operations Branch Manager, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Ross Bezark, Field Operations Branch Manager for the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) at the Department of Homeland Security, has devoted 22 years to advancing the efficiency 
and effectiveness of FAMS in their critical homeland security mission. With a focus on data analytics, strategic planning, and project implementation, Bezark has helped adapt the FAMS’s in-flight security mission to evolving security demands. Most recently, at the request of the Executive Assistant Administrator, he led a team to create a comprehensive strategy to track and analyze FAMS’s law enforcement activities in airports, providing insights that will shape future operational planning.
Bezark’s team developed interactive, near-real-time dashboards for airport operations, making data accessible both on desktop and mobile devices without additional funding or contractor support. These dashboards integrate a range of data categories, including Airport Security Operations Support and Incident Response, along with specific activities such as dignitary movements and human-trafficking responses. After successful pilot testing and briefings, the dashboards launched in May 2024, enabling use by FAMS Headquarters and 20 field offices. By mid-August 2024, the dashboards had logged over 30,000 activities and 100,000 hours of activity, all accurately tracked and quality-checked.
These dashboards have transformed FAMS’s resource allocation by enabling data-driven prioritization based on geographic and operational needs, aligning activities with risk-mitigation value and available resources. Bezark’s initiative has provided FAMS with a powerful tool for proactive, efficient airport security operations, ensuring that the agency can more effectively safeguard passengers and support broader homeland security objectives.
MOST INNOVATIVE CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE SECURITY
People around the nation are working to find creative and engaging ways to help the public understand and prepare for any eventuality. Educating the public about homeland priorities, threats, and vulnerabilities is a critical part of the security equation. The Most Innovative Campaign to Improve Security recognizes a federal, state, local, or private-sector campaign that has increased awareness and preparedness for a threat that requires the partnerships to mitigate and prevent physical or cyber attack, disaster preparedness, human trafficking, infrastructure protection, supply-chain security or any threat to the country.
MOST INNOVATIVE CAMPAIGN TO COUNTER CHILD EXPLOITATION
Miami International Airport Human Trafficking Unit (MIA-HTU) and the Homeland Security Investigations Know2Protect Campaign
Homeland Security Investigations Know2Protect Campaign
On April 17, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched “Know2Protect,” 
a sweeping national public awareness campaign focused on preventing and combating child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). Designed to engage the public through multiple touchpoints, the campaign leverages an array of platforms and partnerships to reach diverse audiences and equip them with vital knowledge and resources to counteract online CSEA.
At the heart of the campaign is Know2Protect.gov, an accessible federal clearinghouse that serves as a central resource for individuals seeking information on CSEA, ways to report it, and tools to help families stay informed and safe online. The website also includes a dedicated portal for children aged 10 and up, delivering age-appropriate content to foster safe online practices from a young age.
Know2Protect has effectively harnessed strategic partnerships to extend its outreach. Collaborating with the tech sector, national sports leagues, youth-serving organizations, and law enforcement agencies, DHS amplifies the campaign’s messages through donated advertising, co-branded materials, and speaking engagements, reaching vast and varied audiences in impactful ways. These partnerships allow Know2Protect to bridge its messages across community spaces, ensuring the campaign’s content resonates in places where it can make a significant impact.
Social media plays a critical role in reaching younger audiences and families alike, with Know2Protect content distributed under the @know2protect handle across Facebook, Instagram, and X, alongside a robust video presence on DHS’s YouTube channel. The campaign’s social media strategy includes the release of a Digital Safety Series and a range of public service announcements, produced in varying lengths to optimize engagement across digital platforms.
To broaden its reach even further, DHS has invested in a diverse array of paid media placements. Digital displays in high-traffic locations such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago are complemented by traditional billboards, posters in the top 25 markets, and paid social ads on Facebook and Instagram, as well as traditional television spots. This extensive media strategy ensures that Know2Protect’s messages are seen by millions across various viewing and engagement preferences.
An essential part of the campaign is Project iGuardian, which brings Know2Protect’s mission to life through in-person educational events. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents present directly to children, parents, and trusted adults, educating them on the nature of CSEA, effective prevention techniques, and how to report suspected abuse. This interactive approach creates a direct line to the public, fostering a deeper understanding of online safety within communities.
Within its first few months, from April 17 to August 31, 2024, the Know2Protect campaign achieved over 200 million impressions. This reach was further supported by a Back2School sub-initiative (#Back2School with Know2Protect), aimed at educators, coaches, and other trusted adults, equipping them with tools to understand and address online CSEA risks. This sub-campaign’s goal is for every teacher in the U.S. to access Know2Protect.gov and share its resources in their classrooms, maximizing the campaign’s educational impact.
Through these varied strategies, Know2Protect effectively taps into public channels to build awareness and empower individuals with critical knowledge and resources. By prioritizing accessibility, leveraging partnerships, and employing a broad media strategy, DHS has created a powerful campaign that strengthens community resilience against online exploitation and reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the public in the digital age.
MOST INNOVATIVE CAMPAIGN TO COUNTER HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Miami International Airport Human Trafficking Unit (MIA-HTU)
MIA-HTU began its journey in 2017 with “Operation Renegade,” the first CBP human 
trafficking unit, initially focused on combating sex trafficking in the South Florida region. The operation quickly demonstrated its impact, becoming an official pilot program that later, in 2020, expanded to address labor trafficking and child exploitation. This evolution marked MIA as CBP’s first official Human Trafficking Unit, broadening its scope and reinforcing CBP’s role in countering these critical threats.
Over the years, MIA-HTU’s work revealed the far-reaching impact of human trafficking and child exploitation, motivating the team to share its expertise and methods on a national level. The unit recognized that CBP’s capabilities in countering trafficking could benefit ports across the U.S., driving the team to create a platform for nationwide collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
In October 2023, MIA-HTU took a bold step toward making this goal a reality, overcoming budget constraints and logistical hurdles to organize the first-ever CBP Human Trafficking Symposium. Through innovative funding solutions, resourceful planning, and efficient coordination, the symposium brought together CBP personnel from all field offices, as well as representatives from the National Targeting Center (NTC), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (AUSA), Office of Chief Counsel (OCC), CBP clinicians, local law enforcement, and NGOs including Operation Underground Railroad and Libertas International.
The symposium featured a moving address from a survivor of child exploitation, whose story underscored the profound impact of MIA-HTU’s work and the importance of this shared mission. This powerful gathering fostered a unified approach to combat human trafficking, showcasing the techniques and best practices that are now being implemented across CBP.
As of August 2024, nine human trafficking units operate within CBP, with more ports expressing interest in joining the fight following the success of the Florida Human Trafficking Symposium. This landmark event was instrumental in strengthening CBP’s anti-trafficking efforts, proving that through collaboration, resourcefulness, and shared dedication, CBP can save more lives and bring criminal organizations to justice. The symposium stands as a testament to MIA-HTU’s leadership and vision, setting a benchmark for future CBP initiatives in the fight against human trafficking.