Four Eastern District assistant U.S. attorneys were lauded for their work Friday in Washington, D.C.

James Gatta, Nathan Reilly, Richard Tucker and Una Dean were among 179 federal prosecutors recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director's Awards Ceremony.

“These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice,” Rosenstein said, according to a news release by the Eastern District U.S. Attorney's Office. “Today's honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens, whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded.”