PREPARED REMARKS OF BRADLEY BUCKLES, ACTING DIRECTOR
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES
DEDICATION OF NATIONAL LABORATORY CENTER
JUNE 16, 2003

Good morning.

What a thrill it is to be here today for the dedication of ATF's new National Laboratory Center. For those of us who have been here through the entire process this is an incredible day that it often seemed would never come.

Nothing happens quickly when it comes to Federal building projects, and this one was no exception. In fact, the unique nature of this facility posed even greater challenges than usual to planners, appropriators, and architects and engineers. But we did it. We have built a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the citizens of this nation for years to come. Designed literally from the ground up as a laboratory, this is not merely a building. It is in a sense a scientific instrument itself. A facility that improves the science that can be performed here.

Where do I start with the thanks? There are so many who have contributed so much.

In the beginning there was a need - a run down converted office building that could no longer be gerry rigged to function effectively and efficiently as a lab. We had both out grown it and worn it out. Art Libertucci, Mike Hoffman, Rick Watkins and others pressed for a new start.

In the beginning there was an idea, an idea about expanding the use of science to address the devastating consequences of arson. Jackie Herndon, Mike Ethridge, Gale Rossides and Dr. Jim Quintiere from the University of Maryland, pushed for new horizons.

In the beginning there was a small set of believers, believers in the importance of ATF's laboratory mission, and believers in a better future. John Magaw at ATF, Mark Swartz at OMB, Steny Hoyer on Capitol Hill. Eventually, the need, the idea and the believers all came together, and the concept for a new national Laboratory and Fire Research Center became our cause.

Then came the people who had to make it happen, - Rick Tontarski, Art Peoples, and finally Mignon Anthony. They gave our efforts shape. Tony Costas and others at GSA took up the challenge and worked with enormous determination to make it happen.

So many people were involved, so many helping hands, so much creative energy, and such dogged determination in the face of countless financial, technical, engineering and legal hurdles. All of those challenges, so daunting at the time, now serve to make this day all the more satisfying. I wish only that everyone who worked so hard to make this a reality could be here today.

It is most appropriate that our principal supporter in this and so many other efforts, Congressman Steny Hoyer could be with us today. So, thank you, Congressman Hoyer, for all of the support you have provided to ATF over the years, not just the funding for this tremendous facility.

This new facility is home to four distinct operations. It is the home for ATF's principle forensic laboratory, the new Fire Research Laboratory, and the Administrative Offices of the National Laboratory system. But this new facility is also home to our roots. The fourth component of this lab is the Alcohol and Tobacco Laboratory of the Department of Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

Just as I am fond of tracing ATF's heritage to the first Federal taxes and the Whiskey Rebellion, our laboratory's history likewise begins with excise tax responsibilities of the Treasury Department. Our laboratory traces its origins to 1886 when a revenue laboratory was established with two scientists in the attic of the Department of Treasury building.

Those first two scientists would be awestruck if they had the opportunity to wander the corridors of this facility. But, they would also be pleased to see that the important work of the Treasury Department is still an important piece of this building. The standards of scientific excellence established and maintained by the alcohol and tobacco lab personnel guided the development of our forensic work, and many current ATF lab employees, trace their roots to the Alcohol and Tobacco Lab.

As we look to the future, we are delighted that the Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Lab remains part of our family. Even though we operate in different departments it is gratifying to me that we continue to work together under the same roof.

The mission of ATF today is to reduce violent crime and protect the public. Our National Laboratory is the premier laboratory in the world in the combined areas of firearms, explosives, and arson, and it's the first Federal forensic laboratory accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors.

The Law Enforcement officer of the 21st Century must be armed, not just with handcuffs and a firearm, but also with science if he or she is to be successful. Where at one time forensic science was conducted on the margins of a criminal investigation, today it is an essential component to almost every case. Science can solve cases that would otherwise remain unsolved/and science can identify the guilty with a detached certainty that protects the innocent at the same time.

Forensic science is a true guardian of justice in the United States. Expertly performed it plays no favorites. It undermines prejudice and validates the truth. Advances in forensic science, advance our search for the truth. This facility will allow us to continue its tradition of developing new forensic applications for science.

We are very excited about the capabilities that our new Fire Research Laboratory provides for criminal arson investigations. It is the only facility of its kind in the world dedicated to the unique forensic needs of the fire investigation community. That's a huge new asset in ATF's arson arsenal. In addition, the fire lab will house an education and training center that will allow us to move seamlessly from theoretical fire research and testing to practical training and application for the benefit of the larger fire investigation community.

But it is the lab employees who deserve our deepest gratitude. Throughout the course of this project it has been your work, your mission, your dedication that has served as our source for inspiration. Your previous substandard facility was I know frequently a place that could be physically uncomfortable, cause annoying inconveniences, and give rise to numerous professional challenges. But while the building provided many problems, one thing it never became was an excuse and one thing you never allowed it to cause was compromise. Your professionalism and dedication in the face of these hardships fueled our efforts through this long process. Thank you for your dedicated service. We are all tremendously proud to be associated with your work.

Thank you all for coming today and sharing our pride in and excitement about this state-of-the-art facility and the talented staff who work here. This is a great day for ATF, and it's a great day for the cause of justice.