"As a 28-year veteran of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), retiring in December 2017 as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Los Angeles Field Division (LAFD), I know what dedication, experience, and selflessness it takes to lead a law enforcement organization such as the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. I am writing this letter of recommendation, endorsing William “Billy” Queen for Sheriff. Not only does Billy embody these qualities, but in his long productive ATF career, protecting the public and serving the nation, Billy proved time and time again his unwavering commitment to excellence and duty.
I have known Billy for over 30 years, having worked with him on high profile investigations conducted on violent criminal street gangs, firearms and narcotics traffickers, and outlaw motorcycle organizations in and throughout Los Angeles and neighboring counties. As operators on the ATF Special Response Team (SRT), we conducted numerous high-risk search and arrest warrants to aid in the perfection of federal and state criminal prosecutions. Tireless hours were spent conducting surveillance to gather intelligence on criminal activities by individuals and groups responsible for firearms and narcotics crimes in neighborhoods and communities throughout ATF’s LAFD area of responsibility that spanned eleven counties in Southern California to the Arizona border, working with our brothers and sisters in federal, state, and more specifically local law enforcement. In ATF, Billy served with distinction and honor. He proved himself as a leader having been a part of my development as a young agent, contributing to my success and achievement as SAC of the ATF LAFD.
I have absolute faith that if elected, Billy will continue to promote the best values of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and the professionalism achieved by those who served before him. I am honored to endorse William “Billy” Queen and urge the citizens of Guilford County to support him as your next Sheriff."
Eric D. HardenSpecial Agent in Charge (SAC), Los Angeles Field Division (LAFD), Retired
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
