The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is warning the public about several emerging health care fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Criminals are actively manipulating the COVID-19 pandemic to their advantage,” explains Calvin A. Shivers, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.
“We ask all Americans to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to these schemes.”
Bad actors are selling fake COVID-19 test kits and unapproved treatments through telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits.
Many scammers are promising free care to patients in order to gain access to their personal and health insurance information, including their dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and financial data.
The FBI cautions the public to be aware of the following schemes:
COVID-19 Testing Schemes
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Beware of individuals who contact you in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to take a COVID-19 test.
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These scammers will likely ask for your health insurance information, including your Medicare or Medicaid number, and other personal information.
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Prior health care fraud investigations have shown that once scammers obtain an individual’s personal information, they use it to bill federal health care programs and/or private health insurance plans for tests and procedures the individual did not receive and pocket the proceeds.
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Be cautious of any unsolicited offers that require or request your medical insurance information.
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Also beware of individuals offering to sell you a COVID-19 test kit or supplies, especially when these contacts are unexpected.
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A physician or other trusted health care provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.
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Some scammers are selling fake at-home test kits; some are even going door-to-door and performing fake tests for money.
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Legitimate tests are offered free to patients when administered by a health care professional.
COVID-19 Treatment Schemes
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Legitimate medical professionals and scientists throughout the U.S. are working hard to find a cure, approved treatment, and vaccine for COVID-19.
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At the same time, scammers are working hard to sell fake cures, treatments, and vaccines. Ignore unsolicited offers for these fake procedures.
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Do not provide any personal information, including your financial information, Medicare or Medicaid number, or private health insurance information to anyone offering them.
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When an approved treatment or cure becomes available, the first time you hear about it will not be through an email, telephone call, online advertisement, or unsolicited in-person sales pitch from a stranger.
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You should also beware of scammers claiming to be medical professionals and demanding payment for treating a friend or relative for COVID-19.
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If you do receive treatment for COVID-19, be sure to check the medical bills and the explanation of benefits from your provider, government health program, or insurance company.
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Be sure you are not billed for medical services you did not receive and that the dates of service are accurate. If you spot an error, call your medical provider and your insurance company.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG0,Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Chris Schrank provides five things everyone needs to know in order to protect themselves against COVID-19 health care fraud. Courtesy of OIGatHHS and YouTube.)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted extensive guidance and information on the Internet that is updated frequently.
You may also consult your primary care physician for guidance.
(Scammers are trying to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic. They may show up at your door, claiming to have tests for the disease. They may send unsolicited text messages, and say you were exposed to the virus. They may call you, and pretend your doctor sent them. If they are offering services you didn’t ask for, beware! It could be a scam. Close the door. Hang up. Don’t respond to the text message. Contact your medical provider ASAP to verify anyone who claims to be reaching out on their behalf. Courtesy of OIGatHHS and YouTube.)
If you think you are a victim of COVID-19 fraud, immediately report it to National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov, or the FBI (visit ic3.gov, tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI).
For accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit:
| coronavirus.gov | cdc.gov/coronavirus |
| usa.gov/coronavirus | fbi.gov/coronavirus |
| justice.gov/coronavirus | |
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center Recognized in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is in its Fifth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC has been canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The IC3 serves as the FBI’s central hub to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding occurrences of Internet crime
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IC3 provides the public with a reliable and convenient reporting mechanism to submit reports of suspected Internet-facilitated criminal activity and to develop alliances with law enforcement and industry partners.
(Actress Kirsten Vangsness, who plays tech-savvy FBI analyst Penelope Garcia on the show Criminal Minds, is promoteing the awareness of Internet crimes and scams and encourages the public to report suspected criminal cyber activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Courtesy of the FBI and YouTube.)
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Information is analyzed and disseminated for investigative and intelligence purposes to law enforcement and for public awareness.
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Since 2000, the IC3 has received complaints crossing the spectrum of cyber crime matters, to include online fraud in its many forms including intellectual property rights (IPR) matters, computer intrusions (hacking), economic espionage (theft of trade secrets), online extortion, international money laundering, identity theft, and a growing list of Internet facilitated crimes.
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It has become increasingly evident that, regardless of the label placed on a cyber crime matter, the potential for it to overlap with another referred matter is substantial.
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IC3 develops leads and notifies law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, local and international level.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Expositions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2019.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please be on the lookout for the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It will be your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitgate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
2020 ‘ASTORS’ Excellence & Government Award Recipients Also Include:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The CDC has provided Law enforcement and EMS who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 with guidance to help safeguard their health while performing their duties.
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Different styles of PPE may be necessary to perform operational duties. These alternative styles (i.e. coveralls) must provide protection that is at least as great as that provided by the minimum amount of PPE recommended.
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Law enforcement who must make contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 should follow CDC’s Interim Guidance for EMS.
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To Learn More, please visit the CDC’s answers to frequently asked questions about law enforcement and COVID-19 by clicking this link.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign, designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.
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Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to create general awareness training and materials for law enforcement and others to increase detection of human trafficking, and to identify victims.
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Located within the Office of Partnership and Engagement, the Blue Campaign leverages partnerships with the private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), law enforcement and state/local authorities to maximize national public engagement on anti-human trafficking efforts.
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Blue Campaign’s educational awareness objectives consists of two foundational elements, prevention of human trafficking and protection of exploited persons.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The COVID-19 pandemic is a global threat with life and death consequences, the enormity of which many of us have never seen before.
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It is also a scientific challenge in need of innovative solutions and S&T is using every tool at its disposal to join the fight; including harnessing the knowledge of it’s experts on technology deployments, international collaboration, scientific breakthroughs, and support for America’s frontline workers.
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S&T has focused its efforts on laboratory research and providing valuable resources to inform the broader response community and help keep front line responders safe.
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Highlights of S&T’s response efforts can be found in our Battling the Invisible Enemy report.
DHS S&T Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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CARD, a chemical synthesis and chemical informatics centric data system (e.g. boiling point, melting point, toxicity, or spectroscopic information) containing both unclassified and classified data, is accessible from a classified website maintained on a server hosted by the Department of Defense.
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The website is available to appropriately cleared personnel from DHS, Department of Justice (e.g. FBI), other United States Government interagency offices, and state and local agencies, and provides information on how chemicals of interest could be produced.
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There is a detailed description of how each chemical is prepared to include information relevant to each step, the reagents and reactants that are needed and the conditions necessary for the reactions to take place, such as time, temperature, mixing—like a recipe.
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If law enforcement were to discover a table full of labeled chemicals in a clandestine laboratory, they would put these names as a list in CARD to find out what the suspects are making – illicit drugs, poisons, or warfare agents.
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CARD can be used the other way around. If police find an illicit drug or a warfare agent, they can search in the website to see what chemicals can be used to make it.
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For example, if police capture a suspect with a vial of sarin gas (a nerve agent that can kill in minutes after inhalation), they can use CARD to determine which chemicals are used to make it. Police can then search the suspect’s illicit lab for those chemicals and obtain further evidence of wrongdoing.
Federal Protective Service in Collaboration with the Argonne National Laboratory
Best Risk, Crisis Management Solution
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Modified Infrastructure Survey Tool (MIST) – COVID-19 Telematics Capabilities
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DHS’s Federal Protective Service (FPS) provides integrated security and law enforcement services–including conducting security assessments and detecting and mitigating threats–to over 9,500 federal facilities. To accomplish this mission, FPS leverages the Modified Infrastructure Survey Tool (MIST), a joint solution developed in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory.
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Argonne and FPS have continuously sought ways to improve the tool’s ability to assess, detect, and mitigating threats, and this year, no threat was more pervasive in this country than COVID-19.
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To confront the threat that COVID-19 posed to the FPS workforce, MIST was enhanced to allow FPS Headquarters and FPS Management to track and display each federal building affected by COVID-19, and to analyze local hospitals and EMS facilities in relation to federal buildings and office locations.
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Additionally, the map capability within MIST was expanded to allow for many additional layers, allowed FPS a granular understanding of the number of facilities impacted by the virus, and much more.
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Ultimately, the new COVID-19 telematics capabilities offered FPS decision makers the ability to make better informed decisions on moving personnel and security equipment to best protect people and property, while ensuring safety of their staff.
DHS S&T National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL)
Excellence in Public Safety
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Hoist Rescue Gloves for Aerial Rescue
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Rescue helicopter hoist operators need gloves to protect the hand that guides the hoist cable during rescue descents and ascents, using a significant amount of force to mitigate the cable swinging for situations from hurricane evacuations and dive rescues to rescuing stranded hikers on a mountain side, missions vary and no two are ever alike.
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A partnership between S&T and Higher Dimension Materials, Inc. (HDM) resulted in an enhanced rescue hoist glove with increased flexibility, durability, and dexterity.
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The glove design uses cushioning materials offering protection to the thumb crotch (purlicue) area, the index and little finger, and a leather guard to alleviate inconsistent glove performance when wet,” said Jones-Holt.
(See the enhanced Hoist Rescue Glove in action. Courtesy of DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube.)
New York City Emergency Management
Excellence in Homeland Security
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New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), under the guidance of Commissioner commissioner of NYCEM is Deanne Criswell, a former FEMA official and head of OEM for the city of Aurora, CO, is responsible for oversight and development of the city’s emergency management plans.
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NYCEM regularly tests plans by conducting drills and exercises, and responds to emergencies to ensure that other agencies not only follow these plans, but to foster communication amongst the responding agencies.
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NYCEM also operates the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) where city, state and federal agencies join representatives from the private and nonprofit sectors to coordinate complex responses to emergencies and disasters.
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The agency also developed and runs the Notify NYC emergency alert program, by which citizens can sign up to receive phone and email alerts about emergencies and events happening in their neighborhoods.
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NYCEM is also the administrator of New York City’s community emergency response teams. Each community emergency response team (CERT) is coterminous with one or more New York community boards.
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The agency also maintains the Citywide Incident Management System which is based on the National Incident Management System.
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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The Slash CameraPole is a self-triggering platform with wireless data retrieval to detect and give warning of suspicious activities at the U.S.-Canada border, specifically a cleared stretch of land at the border that is approximately 20-feet wide, 1,349 miles long, and is referred to as the “Slash.”
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This man-made, treeless zone is mandated by the International Boundary Commission and presents a formidable surveillance challenge, against such threats as illegal crossings, drug and illegal contraband smuggling and human trafficking.
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Using the Slash CameraPole system, Border Patrol has been able to establish an advanced border surveillance capability where none existed before.
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Partnering with MIT Lincoln Laboratory and several private companies to create the Slash CameraPole with numerous ingenious features, such as s olar panels and a back-up fuel cell system make it independent of the power grid, multiple infrared cameras (two long-range, one foreground, and one base imager with a fisheye lens) mean it doesn’t miss a thing.
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An in-ground cement foundation and electrical enclosure ensures it can withstand brutal winter conditions. Should its unobtrusive appearance manage to draw the attention of would-be vandals, the Slash CameraPole is resistant to small arms fire and other tampering.
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The Slash CameraPole also employs advanced motion detection algorithms and automated alerts designed to improve classification of targets and lower the chance of false alarms from factors such as wild animals or vegetation moving in the wind.
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*DHS S&T Programs have now been recognized in their Fifth Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is charged with enforcing the nation’s immigration laws in a fair and effective manner.
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ERO identifies and apprehends removable aliens, detains these individuals when necessary and removes illegal aliens from the United States.
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ERO transports removable aliens from point to point, manages aliens in custody or in an alternative to detention program, provides access to legal resources and representatives of advocacy groups and removes individuals from the United States who have been ordered to be deported.
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ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of aliens who undermine the safety of our communities and the integrity of our immigration laws.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
Best Federal Government Security Program
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Federal Risk Management Process Training Program
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The Federal Risk Management Process Training Program (FedRMPTP), Newly available Online – is Interagency Security Committee certified for Facility Security Officials, Federal Security Supervisors and those involved with Federal facility acquisition, construction, and renovation projects.
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On October 19, 1995, six months after the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, President Clinton issued Executive Order 12977, creating the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) to address continuing government-wide security for federal facilities.
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Prior to 1995, minimum physical security standards for non-military federally owned or leased facilities.
John Verrico
Excellence in Homeland Security
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Chief of Media and Community Relations, DHS Science & Technology Directorate
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John Verrico, who is also the former President of the National Association of Government Communicators, has nearly 40 years of experience as a public affairs professional in federal and state government agencies, working extensively in media, community and employee relations, with significant emphasis in science, engineering and the security fields.
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A retired Navy Master Chief Journalist, John’s career has been focused on helping government agencies tell their stories and share important news with the public. He takes special care to ensure government information is accessible and that complex issues are easily understood.
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John has also worked as a freelance journalist, stand-up comic, and motivational speaker, among other fields where he learned not to take life too seriously and to experience everything life has to offer.
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As an under-sized youth and victim of bullies, John found hope in classic monster movies and ‘B’ flicks where he learned that the little guy could win. Drawing from these lessons, John helps every day unsung heroes get recognition for their work.
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As an international speaker and leadership coach, John helps people keep their motivational torches lit so they can face their own ‘monsters.’
Kathleen Kiernan, Ed. D
Excellence in Homeland Security
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Kiernan Group Holdings CEO
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Dr. Kathleen Kiernan is the Founder and CEO of national security, education, risk management and compliance firm Kiernan Group Holdings, Chair Emeritus of InfraGard National Members Alliance, and adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and Naval Post Graduate School.
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Preparedness without Paranoia® the experience-based training in awareness, preparedness, response and recovery training for active assailant and workplace violence prevention is delivered on a learning management system.
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GOT Preparedness® (Got Online Training), was built specifically for dispersed and remote workforces and we have trained thousands of individuals domestically and internationally.
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She has delivered operational and educational capabilities across the globe and developed a methodological based approach to the resiliency cycle at an individual and organizational level.
Joseph Pangaro
Excellence in Public Safety
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CEO at True Security Design
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As the owner and CEO of Pangaro Training and Management, Joseph Pangaro, concentrates on providing the best and most up to date training programs for the Law Enforcement, School and Business communities.
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True Security Design (TSD) law enforcement training programs are centered around supporting today’s modern professionals’ by teaching them vital skills through courses designed to engage and empower its participants.
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A 27-year veteran police lieutenant and experienced school security director, Lt. Pangaro is uniquely qualified to provide law enforcement training programs that are centered around supporting today’s modern professionals’ by teaching them vital skills through courses designed to engage and empower its participants.
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Pangaro Training also teaches in police academies and police agencies throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
New Jersey City University
Excellence in Public
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NJCU is one of the few programs nationally in higher education designated an Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) per the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and a Cyber Defense CAE per the National Security Agency.
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The Department of Professional Security Studies focuses on a student–centered, scholar-practitioner approach to education.
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It’s mission is to facilitate access, create opportunities and provide a supportive environment for achieving academic success through learning and appreciation of subject matter, professional and personal growth and the development of identified and marketable global and disciplinary competencies.
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The New Jersey City University (NJCU) Cybersecurity program is an interdisciplinary center for cybersecurity education, training and research, which aims to provide current and future professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to strive and compete within the cyber security community outreach.
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NJCU students’ foundation is built through their degree program, certificates and research opportunities. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Excellence in Public Safety
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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGAUX) boating courses provide instruction to boaters at all levels, from the fundamental to the advanced.
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The agency’s courses (virtual and classroom) are taught by experienced and knowledgeable CGAUX instructors committed to the highest standards of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
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They are offered in two modalities: virtual, video conference with CGAUX Virtual PE Instructors, and classroom setting with CGAUX PE Instructors.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information about the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards or All Things American Security Today, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
