Obituary
From the Washington Times
August 10, 2005
Former Assistant U.S. Customs Commissioner Bonni G. Tischler, the
first woman to head the agency's Office of Investigations, died of
breast cancer Aug. 9 at George Washington University Hospital. She was
60.
At one time, Miss Tischler was the country's highest-ranking
female federal law-enforcement agent.
"During her 30-year federal law-enforcement career, Miss Tischler
served her nation with distinction, and she leaves an unparalleled
legacy of dedication, innovation and achievement," said Robert C.
Bonner, commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the
Department of Homeland Security.
"No other woman in federal law enforcement has ever achieved what
Bonni Tischler accomplished during her long career."
Miss Tischler was one of the first women to serve as a U.S. sky
marshal in 1971. Six years later, she was one of the first to work
undercover, taking part in Operation Greenback, which snared a massive
money-laundering conspiracy in Miami.
In 1987, she took charge as special agent in charge of the Customs
field office in Tampa, Fla., becoming the first woman to head such an
office. She oversaw the investigation into the Bank of Credit and
Commerce International.
Miss Tischler in 1997 became the first female assistant
commissioner for Customs' Office of Investigations, where she had
responsibility for the largest money-laundering probe in U.S. history,
Operation Casablanca, and for Operation Cheshire Cat, the largest
international child pornography and exploitation case.
In June 2000, she was named to head Customs' Office of Field
Operations, the largest segment of the agency. In that position, she
oversaw border security, trade compliance, anti-smuggling policies and
13,000 Customs employees at more than 300 ports of entry.
Mr. Bonner said Miss Tischler delayed her retirement after the
September 11 terrorist attacks to address what needed to be done to
keep trade and the economy moving, and to provide security at the
borders against the threat of terrorists.
Miss Tischler retired from Customs in June 2002, joining
Pinkerton's Inc. as vice president of global transportation and
supply-chain security.
In May 2000, the National Center for Women & Policing recognized
her with its Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to the female
law-enforcement officers whose successful careers have helped other
women in law enforcement follow in their footsteps.
Miss Tischler graduated from the University of Florida in 1966
with a degree in broadcast communications.
She was diagnosed twice with breast cancer and beat it before
succumbing to a third appearance of the disease.