Dear Mr. Chairman and Senator Peters,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our strong support for the nomination of Chad F. Wolf to be the next Secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In nominating Acting Secretary Wolf, President Trump has selected an individual who has amply demonstrated his ability to lead one of our nation’s largest and most vigorous departments at an unprecedented time on our nation’s history. Prior to becoming Acting Secretary in November of last year, Mr. Wolf served as Chief of Staff to former DHS Secretary Nielson and, just a few hours before being named as Acting Secretary, was confirmed by the Senate to be the next Undersecretary for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans.
Since his appointment to lead the DHS, Mr. Wolf has positioned himself and the department as a partner to State and local law enforcement. He leads with a “can do” attitude and values tangible results. For example, as the scope of the pandemic and the dangers it posed to the men and women in law enforcement—who were unable to “work from home”—became clear, the FOP sought realistic, science-based guidance from DHS about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the field. The DHS, working through its Office of State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE), quickly developed a best practices guide for law enforcement officers to minimize their risk of exposure to COVID-19. The COVID-19 Exposure and Risk Mitigation: Best Practices and Resource Guide for Law Enforcement was issued in early April and was disseminated widely by the FOP, which encouraged its adoption by State and local agencies.
We believe the President has made an outstanding choice in Mr. Chad F. Wolf to be the next Secretary of Homeland Security. He has proven he can lead in times of great adversity and he has been a genuine partner to law enforcement at a time when others have turned their backs on the men and women who keep our communities safe. This is a mark of good character—being there when no one else has your back. Like any good partner, we know we can count on him.
The FOP proudly offers our full and vigorous support for this nominee. We urge you and the members of this distinguished Committee to favorably report his nomination. On behalf of the more than 354,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, thank you both for your continued leadership and for your consideration of our views on this critical nomination. If I can be of any additional help on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in my Washington office.
Sincerely,
National President
Fraternal Order of Police