[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E466-E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RETIRING DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION 
                            JULIO F. MERCADO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2001

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I have often said that one man can 
make a difference. And I will always hold on to that belief, because it 
goes to the very core of what America is all about. We are a free 
nation, fashioned out of the heroic efforts of men and women who never 
considered that failure was an option. Each one made a difference.
  The recent retirement of Julio F. Mercado, the Deputy Administrator 
of the Drug Enforcement Administration, brings to a close a 
distinguished 28-year career in Law Enforcement. Julio Mercado served 
his country and he made a difference during the nearly three decades 
that he wore a badge and carried a gun. Special Agent Mercado is one of 
those American patriots who has always made a difference. Born in 
Puerto Rico and growing up in the South Bronx of New York City he knew 
why law enforcement must be a community-based effort, better than 
anyone else. The enforcement of the rule of law and community 
participation has been the hallmark of his career.
  His concept of service to his country always transcended his own 
personal plans and desires; as you could ask his wife, Elizabeth, and 
his four children. His duty came first initially as a United States 
Marine, then as a dedicated lawman, and lastly, as a concerned and 
active citizen of this great nation. The men that served with him in 
the United States Marine Corps would have followed him anywhere . . . 
because he is a leader. The Policemen he served with in the 47th 
Precinct in the New York Police Department considered him a ``cop's 
cop''. His fellow D.E.A. agents knew that when Julio Mercado was on a 
case, everything would turn out alright and everyone would go home in 
one piece. There is no greater praise for a D.E.A. agent working the 
streets.
  His technical and tactical competence set the standard for the men 
and women who followed him. His undercover work, in the most dangerous 
of situations, is the stuff that legends are made of. He rose to the 
very top of his profession in the D.E.A. by working harder than anyone 
else while always extending that helping hand to others at each and 
every opportunity. He risked his life in the line of duty on many 
occasions. He is
  Julio Mercado has been recognized for his service by law enforcement 
organizations throughout the globe. Perhaps the Colombian Antinarcotics 
Agents said it best when last January, he was awarded the Distinguished 
Service Cross of the Colombian National Police, the highest award 
presented to an American. The citation described him as a law 
enforcement official of great courage, dedication and wisdom. These 
words came from a police

[[Page E467]]

force that has suffered over 5,000 policemen killed in the past decade, 
fighting the war on drugs. They more than anyone else, captured the 
essence of what Julio F. Mercado has meant to international law 
enforcement. His name is spoken with great respect and warmth wherever 
honest cops gather. He is truly a ``cop's cop.''
  I am proud to stand in the halls of the United States Congress to 
recognize Julio F. Mercado for his superb service to this great nation. 
He is a role model for young Americans. He grew up in the D.E.A. and 
the D.E.A. grew with him. The success of this great law enforcement 
agency is the culmination of the efforts of men and women like Julio 
Mercado. His story is an outstanding example of how one man, who came 
from humble beginnings, can serve his country and his fellow man and 
can truly make a difference. Our country owes him and his family, a 
great debt of gratitude.

       Julio F. Mercado, Deputy Administrator, Drug Enforcement 
               Administration, U.S. Department of Justice

       Julio F. Mercado began his law enforcement career with the 
     New York Police Department, assigned to the 47th Precinct, in 
     1973. During that period, he worked with DEA as part of the 
     Task Force. Mr. Mercado's employment with DEA commenced in 
     1979, with his assignment to the New York Field Division. 
     During his tenure, he conducted nearly 700 undercover buys 
     and had a 100% conviction rate. Mr. Mercado, who is fluent in 
     the Spanish language, remained in New York until his 
     assignment to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1984. He was promoted 
     to Group Supervisor in 1987 and was transferred to the 
     McAllen District Office, McAllen, Texas. In 1990, Mr. Mercado 
     received his first Headquarters assignment and served as 
     Staff Coordinator of the Heroin Investigations Section until 
     1992. Next, he was assigned to the Special Operations 
     Division, where he served as the Deputy Chief. In 1995, Mr. 
     Mercado was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge, 
     Caribbean Division, San Juan, Puerto Rico. During this 
     assignment he became involved in many high-profile cases, as 
     well as community drug education and prevention programs in 
     Puerto Rico.
       Mr. Mercado was selected as Special Agent in charge, Dallas 
     Field Division, Dallas, Texas, on February 21, 1997, and 
     reported on May 25, 1997. On November 2, 1999, Mr. Mercado 
     was named Acting Deputy Administrator of the DEA and was 
     confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Deputy Administrator on June 
     29, 2000. He was sworn in on September 12, 2000.
       Mr. Mercado is a member of the Greater Dallas Crime 
     Commission; the Texas Police Chiefs Association; the 
     International Association of Chiefs of Police; the League of 
     United Latin American Citizens, and the Texas Narcotics 
     Officers Association. He attended John Jay College in New 
     York, with a major in Criminal Justice.
       Mr. Mercado and his wife, Elizabeth, have four children and 
     four grandchildren.

     

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