WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Sept. 11, 2024, Law Enforcement and Investigations Director Tracy Perry and Deputy Director Wilmer “Gene” Smithson presented 2023 LEI Director’s Awards to recipients.

Employees and LEI partners were nominated in twelve award categories based on remarkable dedication and outstanding achievements in support of the Forest Service priorities and LEI core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Recipients of the prestigious LEI Director’s Award were recognized in the Washington, D.C. metro area at a ceremony in their honor and received a commemorative wood plaque with a hand-crafted LEI badge. Associate Chief Coleman, along with seven regional foresters were in attendance at the event.

Additionally, along with names listed below, LEI wanted to recognize all individuals nominated by their supervisors and peers for this year's LEI Director’s Award. Although not selected to receive the award this year, we could not live out our core values and achieve the mission of the service without their steadfast and valuable efforts to the entire program. 

Please join us in congratulating the following recipients and all individuals who were nominated by their peers to receive this special recognition.

Administrative Staff Team Member of the Year 

• Cinthia Saenz, investigative analyst, Rocky Mountain Region (R2), regional office

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 

• Victor Morales, special agent, Southwestern Region (R3), Central Arizona Zone, Tonto National Forest

Special Agent of the Year 

• Hannah Nadeau, special agent, Rocky Mountain Region (R2), Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Outstanding Leadership 

• Alexander Stewart, regional patrol commander, Pacific Southwest Region (R5), Regional Office

Forest Protection Officer of the Year 

• Ed Fochtman, natural resources technician, Intermountain Region (R4), Boise National Forest

Outstanding Line Support to the LEI Program 

• Amy Tinderholt, supervisory biological scientist, Enterprise Program, Washington Office.

Outstanding Legal Support 

• Bryan Achorn, assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Arkansas, Hot Springs, Ark.

Bravery, Valor, or Heroic Act 

• James “Jimmy” Nelson, law enforcement officer, Alaska Region (R10), Tongass National Forest

• Eric Carney, Law Enforcement Officer and Eric Nelson, Law Enforcement Officer, Rocky Mountain Region (R2), Southeast Zone

Team Excellence 

• Ironton Task Force: Special Agents Charles Brooks, Matthew Burningham and Morgan Dale. Law Enforcement Officers Steven Isch, Daniel Quinn, Joshua Radford, Eastern Region (R9), Wayne National Forest, Ironton Ranger District.

Director’s Impact 

• Alvin “Duane” Crims, special agent, Southern Region (R8), Ouachita National Forest.

• Melani Gonzalez, government information specialist (FOIA), Office of Regulatory and Management Services, Washington Office

• Kevin Hart, law enforcement officer, Intermountain Region (R4), Southern Utah Zone

• Brent Robinson, special agent, Southwestern Region (R3), regional investigative unit

• Kayla Stelzer, special agent, Northern Region (R1), regional investigative unit

Additional resources:

• 2023 LEI Director's Award ceremony photo album 

• 2023 LEI Director's Awards slide presentation