By TYLER GREEN
Daily Press Staff Writer
Joseph Silva does not consider himself a hero, but, according to Secretary Janet Napolitano of the Department of Homeland Security, a hero is exactly what he is.
Silva, a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center senior instructor, was recognized by Napolitano as an outstanding DHS employee as part of the department’s “Faces of Homeland Security: Heroes on the Front Lines” initiative. Silva was honored as one of 27 heroes representing the tradition of service that has been central to building a stronger, more secure and more resilient homeland.
Part of the honor stems from an event earlier this year when Silva helped save the lives of 12 students while on a six-week assignment as a class coordinator at the FLETC- managed International Law Enforcement Academy in Gaborone, Botswana.
During his first week on assignment, Silva suddenly awoke around 5 a.m. to the crash of thunder and lightning. It was too close for comfort, and he decided to have a look around. By the time he was dressed, a knock had sounded at the door and he learned a hostel had been struck. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
