ATF Press Release

WASHINGTON — ATF Director Rob Cekada and Deputy Director Kristen deTineo celebrated the extraordinary contributions of employees and law enforcement partners at the 2025 and 2026 ATF Awards Ceremony held at the ATF Headquarters, Sept. 16.

“Today is a powerful reminder that the true strength of ATF does not come from our tools, technology, or titles. It comes entirely from our people. Your accomplishments reflect the core values of ATF: integrity, courage, and relentless professionalism under pressure. You set the benchmark for this Bureau, and your dedication directly strengthens our organization and the communities we are sworn to protect,” said Cekada.

Image

Some of the distinguished honors included:

• The Johnny A. Masengale Memorial Award: Presented to 38 members of the Louisville Field Division and ATF’s National Response Team for leading the largest post-blast investigation in Louisville’s history following the 2024 Givaudan Sense Colour Company explosion.
• The Award of Appreciation: Awarded to members of ATF’s Resource Management Branch for exceptional administrative support and operational efficiency.
• The Employee of the Year Awards: Recognized outstanding administrative, analytical, intelligence, professional, supervisory, and law enforcement personnel across ATF field divisions.
• The Honor Award: Presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Strong and partners from the Newark Police Department for their role in dismantling the violent CKarter Boys gang.
• Lifesaving Awards: Honored employees whose actions directly saved lives during critical incidents, including lifesaving interventions in New York and Nebraska.
• The Director’s Internal Award: Given to 11 Special Agents in the Tucson II Field Office for investigative work that secured major federal arson convictions in Arizona.
• The Director’s Award: Recognized the Firearms Trafficking Investigation Unit, a joint ATF, U.S. Department of State initiative that seized more than 19,000 firearms and made over 1,500 arrests, as well as the Jonah Adams Quadruple Homicide Unit for its rapid resolution of a 2022 quadruple homicide.
• Meritorious Awards: Presented for excellence in undercover operations and major investigative accomplishments, including dismantling transnational firearms‑trafficking schemes, violent drug networks, and criminal organizations.
• The Hostile Action Medal: Awarded to personnel who came under direct hostile fire while conducting operations.
• The Gold Star Medal: Presented to a Special Agent and Task Force Officer who sustained injuries during a 2021 firearms-trafficking investigation but provided critical information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.

Director Cekada ended the ceremony after commending the recipients for their leadership, professionalism, and resilience following an exceptionally demanding year.

“You represent the very best of public service,” Cekada said. “Your work strengthens ATF, protects our communities, and reflects the proudest traditions of federal law enforcement.”

###

ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.