WASHINGTON, March 15 (UPI) -- The man in charge of security at U.S. ports of entry, a 38-year veteran of federal service, will retire later this year, Customs and Border Protection said.
William Heffelfinger, deputy assistant commissioner for field operations, will step down June 30, the agency said in a statement Wednesday. He has held the post, responsible for security operations at land, sea and airport border facilities, for the past four years.
"For almost four decades, Mr. Heffelfinger has served our nation in the highest traditions of federal law enforcement," said Customs and Border Protection Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. "His steady, motivational leadership has been an inspiration to all those who have had the privilege of working with him, and we ... will greatly miss his wise counsel and guidance."
Before his current post, Heffelfinger served as assistant to the commissioner for the U.S. Customs Service, and head of its office of border coordination. The service was rolled into the Department of Homeland Security as part of Customs and Border Protection in March 2003.
Before that, Heffelfinger had been director of law enforcement and acting deputy assistant secretary for enforcement at the department of the treasury. He also held posts in the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of International Commerce.
