The FBI has been in the news frequently of late. Fired Director Comey, former Director Mueller, and the possible candidates President Trump is considering. I want to speak of the FBI, Sacrifice, and ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. I have had the honor of knowing a man who gave his life in service of his country as an FBI Special Agent. I also am close friends with many Agents (and police) who have placed themselves at risk to protect the citizens of our great country. I am honored to have served with these men and women. Law enforcement is a risky job, but far from the most dangerous one. Our country often remembers those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we justifiably honor the fallen in the military with Memorial Day. We also have Veterans’ Day for all those who served.
I do not believe that daily sacrifice should be minimized at the altar of those who gave their lives in service. I believe that a huge emotional cost is paid by the families of those who die but also by the families of they who toil at risk for an entire career.
I rarely attend retirement events because I believe even the best of agents are just a link in an honorable chain. When I retired I knew there were many who could ably take my place in serving. Yet, there are those few who serve who are unique, special, and almost irreplaceable. On Tuesday a friend retired, a person who if I named him (which I won’t) you probably would know. He has done heroic things for your country, and he has done them not for fanfare but quietly and with a work ethic I have NEVER seen in the FBI. I am humbled to have seen his efforts to protect this country. As our often foolish leaders in Washington look for a new Director for the FBI, the retirement of my friend will have a greater impact than any new Director. A new person will take his place and do as well as they can. My friend said these words as he humbly accepted the accolades of his colleagues. The retirement will leave a void, a large void; hopefully those who follow can in their totality partially fill this hole. It is unnecessary that one die to be remembered, it is most important to have served. Here are two quotes I believe exemplify my friend:
“A succession of small duties always faithfully done demands no less than do heroic actions.”
~~Rousseau
“It is not necessary that I live, but it is necessary that I perform my duty.”
~~Frederick II
READ MORE ABOUT THE FBI IN MY BOOK: “A BROKEN BADGE HEALED? THE FBI, A SPECIAL AGENT, AND THE CANCER WITHIN BOTH”
