Jun

Bringing behind-the-scenes to the forefront

In May, the Office of Protection Services were recognized at the 2019 Unsung Hero Awards highlighting the “behind-the-scenes” work of SI staff.

The 2019 Unsung Heroes of the Smithsonian, May 16, 2019. (Photo by Michael Barnes)

The Unsung Hero Awards Ceremony was held May 15 at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The ceremony included individual recognition of award recipients, as well as a video montage.

Established in 1996, the year of the Smithsonian Institution’s 150th anniversary, the Unsung Heroes Awards were implemented to showcase employees who work out of sight to make the Smithsonian a better place, said Co-chair to the Unsung Hero Award Committee Tim Holloman.

The 2019 awards continued this tradition, recognizing Smithsonian staff who go above and beyond in vital behind-the-scenes roles.

Despite occupying a variety of different positions within the Smithsonian system, all of this year’s award winners have been described as generous with their time and their knowledge, professional in their conduct, and dedicated to the Smithsonian’s mission in their nominations. Out of 150 nominations, 20 Smithsonian staff members were selected to receive an award.

Four members of the Office of Protection Services staff were among the winners for this year.

Cpl. Evony Cobb

Control Room Operator
OPS/Donald W. Reynolds Center

Cpl. Evony Cobb

Cpl. Cobb’s nomination describes her as someone respected by her peers, supervisors, and Smithsonian staff for her positive attitude and her readiness to perform more than her assigned duties. Since taking on her role at the Reynolds Center in 2007, Cpl. Cobb has trained all of the Unit Control Room Officers and created a curriculum that trains new staff that extends beyond normal instruction offered by the Office of Protection Services. In addition, Cpl. Cobb has collected evidence for partner agencies, such as the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI, using her expert knowledge of the security cameras.

Sgt. Anthony Little

Security Supervisor
OPS/National Museum of American History

Sgt. Anthony Little

Sgt. Little’s nomination describes him as an exceptional supervisor and leader who displays integrity and a strong work ethic. In addition to finishing his own assignments quickly on his scheduled shift, Sgt. Little also volunteers to assist other officers and staff once his shift has ended. He has also initiated procedures to help other officers in the efficient completion of their duties.

Anne B. Field

Security Supervisor
OPS/NMAH

Anne B. Field

Since starting as a Smithsonian employee in 2015, Ms. Field has been fixing those things that people have broken after she told them not to break those things the previous time she fixed them. A broken lock can spell disaster at the National Zoo, making Field’s job vital in protecting the safety of the staff and the animals. Her nomination describes her as an individual ready to tackle tasks, regardless of the time of day, with a positive attitude and a smile. People always thank her for her work, but the reception of the Unsung Hero Award allowed her to really know it, Field said. “It’s always great to be appreciated. I’ve always believed in doing a good job to the best of my ability,” Field said.

Officer Yama Terrell

OPS/Donald W. Reynolds Center

Officer Yama Terrell

Officer Terrell’s nomination describes him as the “go-to” officer on projects. The primary values that inform this strong work ethic are commitment, pride, dedication, and respect, Officer Terrell said. “I am a person that sees a task that needs to get done and I will accomplish it without question,” Officer Terrell said. Since starting at the Smithsonian Institution in 2016, Officer Terrell has worked on projects such as developing an emergency operations plan and shaping an office organization project. Receiving this award showed him that his Unit appreciates what he does, Officer Terrell said. “[The Unsung Hero Award] shows that all the hard work I put in
every day has been noticed,” Officer Terrell said.

“OPS, by its mission, is the deﬁnition of an unsung hero. Four of our OPS staff were recognized, out of the entire Smithsonian Institution, meaning that the value of the work we do is not unsung; rather, it is necessary to the Smithsonian to achieve its mission.”

—Jeanne O’Toole, OPS Director

This post by Communications Intern Cristobella Durrette, was originally published in the June 2019 issue of OPS Insider.