Director Buckles Ends Tenure At ATF

Retiring After 30-Year Career

WASHINGTON--Bradley A. Buckles, Director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will retire from his post effective Jan. 3, 2004, after 30 years of service.

Mr. Buckles will be entering the private sector, which he anticipates will be challenging and rewarding. Mr. Buckles joined ATF in 1974 and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Chief Counsel and in 1996 was appointed Deputy Director. In December 1999, Mr. Buckles was named the fifth Director in ATF's history.

This past January Mr. Buckles was tasked with providing guidance and oversight of ATF's transfer from the U.S. Department of Treasury to the Department of Justice, and the overall responsibility of supervising nearly 4,800 Federal employees. "I am extremely proud to have served many years in the U.S. Department of the Treasury and now as a result of the Homeland Security Act, the Justice Department. Now that ATF is successfully integrated into the Justice family my job is complete," said Buckles. "I have decided that it is the best time for me to move on."

"As a dedicated professional at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for nearly 30 years, Bradley A. Buckles has served with integrity and skill. His steadfast leadership of the Bureau's 4,800 employees helped ensure a seamless transfer of the ATF from the Treasury Department to the Justice Department this year. I am grateful for his service and wish him every success in his future endeavors," said Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Mr. Buckles stated that although he is sad to be leaving so many close friends, he is looking forward to meeting his new challenges in addition to spending more time with his family.

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