The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(SEATTLE) — The Coast Guard awarded a Royal Canadian Mounted Policemen for his leadership at a ceremony held in Surrey, British Columbia, Friday. Cmdr. Peter Martin, Chief of Response Enforcement, 13th Coast Guard District, headquartered in Seattle, on behalf of the Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Thad Allen, presented the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award to RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian H. Brasnett, at the RCMP “E” Division Headquarters.
Brasnett earned the award for his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the RCMP and Coast Guard.
Brasnett is credited with exceptional leadership in the planning and execution of the ground-breaking bilateral shiprider project in 2007 which facilitated the exchange and cross-designation of 16 RCMP and Coast Guard law enforcement officials. Brasnett’s efforts realized a far-sighted vision of joint cross-border maritime law enforcement operations unhindered by conventional impediments associated with the international boundary. The success of this pilot project formed the basis upon which a permanent bilateral agreement was subsequently negotiated between the United States and Canada and jointly signed by the Honorable Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and the Honorable Peter Van Loan, Canadian Minister of Public Safety on May 26, 2009.
In 2009, Brasnett again lent his leadership and expertise in the planning for a forward-deployed joint shiprider capability on an unprecedented scale, in a remote area of the maritime border, in preparation for the 2010 winter Olympic Games security.
Brasnett’s judgment, experience, and professional competence were integral to the success of the shiprider initiative and the achievement of overarching national security objectives.
The Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award is the highest award given to private citizens, groups or organizations. The Distinguished Public Service Award is given for exceptional coordination and cooperation in matters pertaining to the Coast Guard’s responsibilities.
The Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award is the highest award given to private citizens, groups or organizations. The Distinguished Public Service Award is given for exceptional coordination and cooperation in matters pertaining to the Coast Guard’s responsibilities.
