As many of you know, my favorite piece of poetry is by Robert Frost and it’s called “The Road less Traveled.”  I’ve always felt strongly that, although not meant specifically for those of us in law enforcement, it has a powerful connection to us.

 I’ve spent 29 years privileged to be in your company and to serve the U.S. Customs Service in various positions associated with the Office of Investigations. The last 3 plus years as your Assistant Commissioner have been an indescribable journey filled with incredibly diverse experiences, outstanding success and heartbreaking tragedy.

 I’ve proudly applauded your superb victories in investigations; intelligence acquisition and analysis; timely communications  support and protecting our borders through air and marine interdiction activities. You are, quite simply, the best at what you do.

I’ve flown the bluest of skies with you and ridden the roughest waves in some tough seas. I’ve laughed with you and traded endless war stories. I’ve talked with you about some extraordinarily complex investigations. Because our communications system is  24 X 7 and the best there is, you were responsible for seeing that my agents, pilots and MEOs and AEOs returned home safely. You kept me abreast of cutting- edge sensitive intelligence products. Your administrative acumen was exceptional. You made my time as your Assistant Commissioner exciting and intellectually stimulating. You taught me a lot. Thank you for all of your efforts. We made a great team and I will miss you.

 Now, the Commissioner has asked that I assume responsibility for Customs’  Office of Field Operations as their Assistant Commissioner. I am flattered that he has the confidence in me to take on the responsibility of managing yet another large and diverse organization. I’ve pledged them the same 150% that I gave you. They are Customs, you are all Customs. Customs has always been a team effort and just happens to consist of many different roads all leading into a superhighway of service to this great country of ours. So, let me end this as I began…Robert Frost wrote: 

“I shall be telling this somewhere, ages and ages hence –
Two roads diverged in a wood,
And I,  I took the road less traveled by –
and that has made all the difference.”

 Thank you for the privilege of travelling that road with you. bt