Next week, from May 1 to 7, the nation celebrates Public Service Recognition Week in honor of the men and women who serve America as federal, state, county and local government employees. Public Service Recognition Week highlights the indispensable role, devotion to duty and extensive accomplishments of the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly on behalf of all Americans — who often work behind the scenes and rarely get the credit they deserve.

As FSIS employees, we can take pride in the fact that our jobs help prevent foodborne illness. No matter what program area or office you work in at FSIS, your work is affecting the health of Americans by ensuring food safety. Your work is also challenging — you may be on your feet all day in a slaughter facility, in the lab analyzing samples, traveling long distances to assist with outbreak investigations and recalls, providing essential services and resources to your team, formulating or communicating about policies and directives or collaborating with food safety partners to advance our public health goals. Whatever your roles and duties, your unwavering dedication to your work is what drives the agency’s success in fulfilling the mission.

We hope you can take a moment to reflect on and celebrate all your hard work and achievements as public servants. We also encourage you to share your experiences as a member of the FSIS team with others. Let them know what motivates you to show up and do your best each and every day. We are proud and honored to serve with you, and we thank you for everything you do to protect public health.

Paul Kiecker
Administrator

Terri Nintemann
Deputy Administrator