Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113; FAX: (202) 690-0460
Liz Lapping

 FSIS Official Receives Posthumous Award

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2002— On Nov. 4, Food Safety and Inspection Service inspector Jean Hillery was posthumously recognized for her outstanding work on a successful USDA investigation that was recently concluded. Her daughter, Barbara Hillery Warner, accepted a cash award on her behalf.

On June 21, 2000, FSIS compliance officers Jean Hillery and Thomas Quadros, along with California Department of Agriculture Investigator Bill Shaline, were murdered in a San Leandro sausage plant while conducting an investigation for food safety violations. Prior to her death, Ms. Hillery led an FSIS compliance team that was investigating a separate meat plant for serious food safety violations. Ms. Hillery’s work on this case ultimately led to a conviction of the company and company officials in federal court.

Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator, and Kirk Elliott, assistant district manager for enforcement with FSIS, presented the award at 3 p.m. in the Memorial Rose Garden at the Alameda, Calif., district office. The garden was dedicated to Jean Hillery and Thomas Quadros by their co-workers. Hillery's family has announced they will donate the award to the Alameda Swimming Pool Association, an organization in which Hillery was an active volunteer for thirty years. The money will be used to fund swimming lessons for needy children.

"Jean Hillery was an exceptional employee who exhibited a high level of dedication and commitment to her work that went far beyond what was required. She exemplified everything a public health professional should be," said Dr. McKee.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service held a memorial service August 8, 2001, in Washington, DC, for Hillery and Quadros. An American Linden tree was dedicated on USDA grounds to serve as a living reminder of their ultimate sacrifice. The plaque on the tree reads: Dedicated to the memory of Jean Hillery and Thomas Quadros, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Compliance Officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty, June 21, 2000.

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