Hurlburt detective closes the 61st Distinguished DOD award case for AFSOC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Krystal M. Garrett
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A civilian, here, has been chosen as the Air Force Special Operations Command nominee for the 61st Annual Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award.

This year Anthony Correia, the chief of investigations with the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, is the AFSOC nominee for the highest honor given by the Secretary of Defense to career civilian employees.

After 23 years of active duty service as a security forces member, Correia has continued his service to the Air Force as a detective with the 1st SOSFS.

“I've worked with Correia for eight months,” said Maj. Christopher Hagemeyer, the commander of the 1st SOSFS. “He is one of the most dedicated and professional individuals that I have ever had the privilege of working with. His dedication to this installation and the Air Force is unwavering.”

During his active duty time, Correia served as a security forces member at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Tyndall AFB, Fla. and here. He also served as a recruiter for eight years at multiple locations.

“When I was selected as an investigator while on active duty, it was then I realized this is what I love doing most in the Air Force,” said Correia.

Switching from active duty to civilian and continuing his career as an investigator was a choice that Correia made without a second guess.
After he retired in 2004, a civilian spot for a detective became available. Correia applied and has been here since.

Over the course of 10 years, Correia has solved at least 90 cases in his civilian position.

According to Correia, each day as an investigator is different. A day may consist of running cases and basic administrative duties, but then he could receive a call requiring him to switch his focus and handle new pressing issues.

“Helping to dig in and find information to solve the case is what I enjoy the most,” said Correia.

Correia solved his first big case in 2004.

“I felt good after that case,” he said. “It was a good feeling knowing I was able to solve the crime and get the funds back to the owner.”
His biggest take-away from the job is that he hopefully gives deploying Airmen peace-of-mind knowing that the 1st SOSFS personnel are here to step in and protect their family.

Correia’s work has not only impacted the Air Force but the Department of Defense as well.

“His job as Chief of Investigations requires him to be available 24/7,” said Hagemeyer. “There have been many occasions that he has had to work cases and conduct investigations through all hours of the night, both during the week and over weekends.”

Correia mentioned that he loves what he does and could not have accomplished what he has over the years without the help of his investigators. He is honored that his commander thought enough of him to nominate him for the award.