On April 6, 2026, newly certified Security Operations Command and Control Center Operator PSO Brian Mendoza identified and responded to suspicious activity at the IRS Headquarters facility. He took decisive action that prevented further damage to government property.
His Certificate of Commendation reads in part:
“Your swift actions effectively prevented further damage caused by active acts of vandalism to government property. Thanks to your vigilance and thorough knowledge of established procedures, the rapid response of FPS agents was facilitated.”
Mendoza, who recently marked his one-year anniversary with Hana, was serving as a relief officer when he noticed something off at the 10th Street entrance. A man walking barefoot across the grass. A bag in hand. Lingering too long near a secured access point.
“I always pay extra attention to people with bags,” Brian explained. “Sometimes they place it, walk away, then come back. So I was already watching him.”
From there, things escalated.
The individual moved to the entrance and began attempting to gain access by aggressively pulling on the doors. Brian dispatched a rover to investigate while he continued to monitor from the SOC.
Then the situation shifted. The individual became agitated and began damaging property forcefully striking and ultimately ripping a handicap access button from the building.
That’s when Mendoza and his team contacted Federal Protective Services (FPS) while coordinating an on-the-ground response. By the time FPS arrived, the individual had calmed and FPS issued a citation for vandalism.
The entire incident unfolded in under an hour—but in that window, every decision mattered.
What makes PSO Mendoza’s response stand out is where he was in his journey. Newly SOC-certified, he was stepping into a higher-responsibility role for the first time.
“I’m a firm believer in baptism by fire,” he said. “You can read how to do the job—but it doesn’t stick until you’re actually doing it.”
That mindset showed in how he operated with calm and decisiveness without overreacting.
Mendoza credited Sergeant Paula Jones for her steady presence during the incident and recognized early mentorship from PSO Travon Edwards, who impressed on him the importance of taking the role seriously and being ready when things turn.
For his vigilance, sound judgment, and commitment to the mission, PSO Brian Mendoza has been recognized for outstanding performance.
His actions reflect the foundation of Hana—disciplined execution, trust in the process, and readiness when it counts.