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Extension Agents Honored by USCG

Louisiana Sea Grant/LSU AgCenter extension agents Mark Shirley and Thu Bui were recently presented with the Meritorious Public Service Award by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Photo: USGS AwardThis public service award is given to recognize “unusual courage in advancing the Coast Guard’s mission, substantial contribution to the Coast Guard that produced tangible results and specific individual accomplishments that provide unique benefits to the public”. It is the second highest award the Coast Guard bestows.

Bui was instrumental in multiple collaborative initiatives, teaming up with Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiners to increase the number of voluntary safety checkups for commercial fishing vessels. Bui also assisted in bridging communication gaps by acting as a Vietnamese translator, aiding both the fishermen and the USCG during exams and investigations. She has been instrumental in helping fishermen complete documentation, translating federal requirements and in general boosting collaboration between commercial fleets and the USCG.

Shirley has also been an extensive asset to furthering the USCG’s safety mission. Since 1990, Shirley has supported multiple initiatives with the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit. His efforts have effectively created a closer working relationship between agencies with positive impacts to commercial vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. Highpoints include the creation of educational programing for USCG Marine Inspectors on requirements of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), signaling flares and fire extinguishers on commercial vessels to reduce errors should an emergency arise.

Shirley also contributed to spanning communication gaps between Vietnamese fisherman and the USCG Examiners by recruiting translators to assist both parties on the docks. Through his dedication, quality control of USCG documentation was meaningfully improved, reducing workload and expediting delivery of necessary permits.

“Their actions are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of public service,” USCG Capt. Jason Franz said.