CleanupATF.org has become aware of an outrageous and senseless decision by ATF Assistant Director Larry Ford and the Public and Governmental Affairs (PGA) Office, regarding the recent, sudden death of retired Special Agent Michael Russell. Russell served ATF and our nation with courage, honor and integrity for over a quarter of a century.
However, in response to numerous requests for a Bureau-wide announcement regarding Michael’s tragic and untimely passing, A.D. Ford has decreed that "ATF policy does not permit the posting of such notices regarding former employees". This is a rather inexplicable position in light of the glowing ATF-wide remembrances of people such as former Director Rex Davis and many others that Ford has deemed “significant” enough to recognize.
We in the field recognize and appreciate Special Agent Russell’s contributions, including decades of harrowing undercover investigations, and Mr. Ford’s position regarding this matter is embarrassing and offensive.
Mike Russell, like so many others, was a hero and will be acknowledged as such, irrespective of this latest example of ATF’s same old “management first” double standard.
