Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today, March 27, announced creation of the Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience, in memory of Richard Rescorla. During the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Rescorla led the evacuation of the Morgan Stanley 2,700-person workforce in the World Trade Center, saving the lives of many of his coworkers.

His heroism during the 9/11 attacks and commitment to the preparedness of the thousands of employees under his watch serves as an inspiration and model to all of us, says Secretary Napolitano. She adds that the Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience recognizes outstanding response to a catastrophic incident and leadership in fostering resilient and prepared communities.

The Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience is the first national resilience award for superior leadership and innovation by a nongovernmental individual or organization who exemplifies the qualities and achievements of Rick Rescorla, emphasizing leadership in effective preparation, response, and recovery in the face of disasters.

Following the 1993 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Rescorla drilled his Morgan Stanley employees in disaster preparedness and response. His actions and his commitment to preparedness ensured that the 2,700 Morgan Stanley employees who worked in the South Tower knew how to evacuate and where to go on 9/11.

Last year, Secretary Napolitano honored Rescorla posthumously with the DHS Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Departments highest honor, and announced the creation of the Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience.

For more information on eligibility and criteria for the Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience and how to nominate an individual or organization, visit www.dhs.gov/rrraward. An individual or organization may be nominated for the Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience beginning April 1, 2012 through May 15, 2012. The award will be presented annually, starting September 2012.