Dr. Linda Detwiler and her team are being honored in Category 6: Improving Government Efficiency for demonstrating exceptional commitment to public service by going beyond standard procedures to help a traveler and his dog, Murphy, return home to Bonaire for Christmas. When the owner arrived seeking an endorsed health certificate at a location that no longer provided the service, Dr. Detwiler recognized the urgency of the situation and worked across offices to find a solution.

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She contacted the accredited veterinarian to locate the necessary certificate, coordinated with a New Jersey field Veterinary Medical Officer familiar with the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), and secured leadership approval for the certificate to be reviewed, printed, and endorsed. Their efforts were particularly critical because the owner and Murphy had already missed their original connection and faced missing the only weekly flight that transported pets.

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The team’s persistence and collaboration ultimately enabled Murphy and his owner to continue their journey home. More than a single act of customer service, the experience reflects a broader culture of compassion, resourcefulness, and dedication—demonstrating how public servants can navigate complex processes to deliver meaningful results for the people they serve.