Tucson, Ariz. - The United States Border Patrol recently named Richard A. Barlow the new Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector. Chief Barlow brings more than 26 years of experience to the position, including his service as the sector's deputy chief since November of 2010. Chief Barlow replaces Chief Randy R. Hill who retired in late September.
"I am extraordinarily proud to lead and serve with the men and women of the Tucson Sector," said Chief Barlow. "Together, we made substantial progress in securing the Arizona/Mexico Border last year. This year, we will go further in setting conditions to where the Tucson Sector is no longer the preferred corridor for illicit activity along the Southwest Border."
Chief Barlow began his career at the Imperial Beach Station in the San Diego Sector. He joined the San Diego Sector Regional Emergency and Crisis Team (REACT) in 1987 and the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) in 1992. Some of his accomplishments include serving as a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in the Physical Techniques Department of the Border Patrol Academy; Deputy Commander of the San Diego Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) and recently as Deputy Chief of the Tucson Sector where he was successful in implementing intelligence-driven operations and targeted-enforcement concepts.
The Border Patrol's Tucson Sector has more than 4,500 employees with over 4,000 agents responsible for patrolling 262 miles of international border with Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.