New Department of Homeland Security secretary and retired Marine Corps General John F. Kelly has issued a statement thanking DHS personnel and other law enforcement officers for their service during last weeks presidential inauguration.

Following the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States, I want to commend the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the thousands of other state, local and federal law enforcement personnel for their excellent work in ensuring the peaceful transition of power – a cornerstone of our great democracy.

Given that inaugurations are designated National Special Security Events, the U.S. Secret Service is responsible for coordinating the security for these events. The security design and implementation of the 58th presidential inauguration involved more than 50 partnering law enforcement, public safety, and military agencies. Collaboratively, these agencies established the largest security perimeter in inauguration history.

Responses to incidents were immediate, well-coordinated, and effective due to the intense planning, communication, and training of all agencies involved in the security plan. The overall goal of the security plan was accomplished through a coordinated effort of providing a safe and secure environment for Secret Service protectees, other dignitaries, event participants and the general public.

I am tremendously proud of the professionalism and hard work of the DHS team. More than 10,500 DHS personnel from the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other DHS components worked to ensure the success of the inauguration, alongside nearly 13,000 additional U.S. government personnel.

A debt of gratitude is also owed to the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, the U.S. Park Police, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and state and local partners from the National Capitol Region who led an incredible public safety effort during several days of celebrations and demonstrations. Their professionalism and responsiveness during a dynamic several days showcased the very best of what it means to protect and serve.

My deepest gratitude goes out to the law enforcement, homeland security and military personnel who worked innumerable hours over the planning and execution stages of the inauguration – they are truly the unsung facilitators of democracy.