NCBFAA Honors Diana Dean and Team

Washington, DC: The NCBFAA will honor Customs Inspector Diana M. Dean with its Annual "Unsung Hero" Award at the 2002 Annual Conference in Hollywood, Florida on March 10-13. Outgoing NCBFAA President Peter Powell, Sr., CEO of C. H. Powell Co., in Westwood, Massachusetts, will make the presentation in recognition of the exemplary contributions of Inspector Dean along with Senior Inspector Mark Johnson, Inspector Mike Chapman and Inspector Dan Clem to border security. The theme for this 28^th NCBFAA Annual Conference, "Staying Ahead of the Curve," appropriately reflects the spirit of their recognition.
     On December 14, 1999, Inspector Dean and team stopped a suspected terrorist from entering the country with a carload of explosives. Although the NCBFAA recognizes and appreciates the involvement of the whole team in this action, it was Inspector Dean’s initial "hunch" that led her to conduct a closer inspection of the suspect’s vehicle. This, in turn, set in motion the series of actions that led to the detention, and eventual arrest, of Ahmed Ressem, an alleged associate of Osama Bin Laden.
     "In the wake of 9/11, we think it is worthwhile to reflect on an earlier incident on the Canadian border that, but for the intelligence and professionalism of a team of Washington State Customs Inspectors, could have easily resulted in equally tragic consequences," said Mr. Powell. "Drawing on her experience, Inspector Dean recognized a potential problem, alerted her colleagues, and, with their assistance, averted what had all the earmarks of a planned terrorist assault on a West Coast target. And for their quick action and outstanding job performance, the NCBFAA wishes to bestow on Inspector Dean and team its ‘Unsung Hero’ Award."
     Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NCBFAA (members.ncbfaa.org) represents over 700 member companies — the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and air cargo agents. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the strong, effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel, 30 Affiliated Association offices and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, NCBFAA Quarterly Bulletin, and various meetings, seminars and conferences throughout the year.