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April 21, 2009

Border reins placed in new hands

<img src="/homepage/images_image_276103054" alt="&#149;">&nbsp;&nbsp;Baltimore assistant chief vows to listen to staff, help keep nation secure

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG

PLATTSBURGH — Paul Mongillo is optimistic about his new role as the local Customs and Border Protection area port director.

As he settles into his position at the Champlain border crossing, Mongillo says, he's dedicated to enhancing staff and community communication while fulfilling the agency's mission of national border protection.

During Customs and Border Protection's first local change-of-command ceremony, held Tuesday, Mongillo said he's determined to listen to staff ideas and collaborate with other agencies to ensure that daily operations are as efficient and secure as possible.

"I will strive to ensure that all employees remain vigilant and accountable in their daily activities," he told a packed audience at the Plattsburgh Elks Lodge.

"I will continually monitor, review and adjust our processes to streamline operations to ensure greater efficiency.

"Together we can accomplish much "¦ and I welcome the challenges that lie ahead of me."

Mongillo recently replaced former Port Director Christopher Perry, who is now the director of field operations in Detroit.

Mongillo will have oversight of 10 land crossings between Fort Covington and Rouses Point and the Albany International Airport and seaport.

He will manage more than 400 employees, who last year processed 2.3 million passengers and 900,000 private vehicles.

On Tuesday, he again pledged his commitment to preventing terrorism, stopping drug and other illegal smuggling and helping to facilitate legitimate travel through the high-trafficked northern border.

Michael Lovejoy, director of field operations in Baltimore, where Mongillo previously served as assistant director of border security, said he expects his comrade will "do a great job" locally.

"My loss is your gain. Consider yourself very fortunate," Lovejoy said after administering the ceremonial oath of office.

Perry recalled his eight years of service at the local post and said he hopes the support of other law-enforcement agencies and community organizations will continue for years to come.

"Without these valued partnerships, we would not have been able to accomplish all (that we have) "¦ The port will be in good hands with Mr. Mongillo."

Mongillo, who has dedicated his career in memory of a childhood friend killed in the 9/11 attacks, takes over the local port as the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative nears.

Mongillo said that early preparation and enhanced border technology should bring a "smooth transition" as the new regulations take effect June 1.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com

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