[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 4930-4931] [From the U.S. 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 force that has suffered over 5,000 policemen killed in the past decade, fighting the war on drugs. They more than anyone else, captured [[Page 4931]] 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. ____________________