|
Published: July 11, 2008 07:58 pm
PROFILE: Bennett breaks bureau barriers
As the FBI celebrates 100 years, Laurie Bennett makes her own history
By Rick Pfeiffer E-mail Rick
Niagara Gazette
One hundred years ago, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation was founded, there were no women agents.
The agency known for “G-men” didn’t welcome women agents into its ranks until 1972.
Now, as the FBI celebrates its centennial year, the agency’s first ever female agent to oversee a field office is celebrating almost two years on the job in Buffalo.
Laurie Bennett, an 18-year veteran of the agency, created FBI history when she became the special agent-in-charge of the Buffalo field office. Bennett says she wanted to make the move from the agency’s Washington D.C. headquarters to Western New York.
“I came for the weather, I love snow,” the Green Bay, Wis., native said with a laugh. “I thought it would be a really exciting office. The Buffalo Division has a great reputation and works a lot of diverse cases.”
Bennett said her prior experience working counter-terrorism cases and the area’s multiple foreign border crossings were intriguing. However, she also said the Western New York area itself was reason enough to come here.
“It’s actually not as cold as Wisconsin. I love it (here). It’s like home,” Bennett said. “I thought it was a very livable community and it’s not just about the job, it’s about family. (Western New York) had an NFL team (the Bills) for my husband and an NHL team (the Sabres) for my son.”
Not surprisingly, coming from Green Bay, sources have suggested that Bennett might be a “Cheese Head” as Packer fans are called. There are unconfirmed reports that her office has significant Packers products in it.
“I have the “Green and Gold” blood,” Bennett confessed. “But I love my Buffalo Bills, too.
She insists there is Bills’ gear in her office as well.
Although women have been in the bureau for over 35 years now, Bennett realizes their move to the top echelon in the agency remains a relatively recent development. She said she was drawn to her work by the challenges it presents.
“It is challenging, yes. No one day is ever the same,” Bennett said. “And the employees here are very passionate about what they do. It’s an honor to work here.”
Bennett agrees with her boss, FBI Director Robert Mueller III, that the agency’s primary missions have changed dramatically since Sept. 11, 2001. Terrorism, she said, is the No. 1 priority of the Buffalo Field Office.
“Certainly first and foremost (in the office’s priorities) is protecting Western New York and this nation from any terrorist attack,” Bennett said.
She’s proud of the close working relationships she has forged with her Canadian law enforcement counterparts and with other federal, state and local police agencies here. Falls Police Superintendent John Chella has a “very high opinion” of Bennett.
“The thing I like about Laurie is she and I meet regularly to discuss issues involving the Falls Police Department and the FBI,” Chella said. “She is very accessible.”
Going forward, in addition to terrorism, Bennett sees her agents becoming ever more involved in working with local police agencies on gang and drug cases and escalating urban violence.
“People want to come home to a safe home,” she said. “We also have a growing senior population, so I’m sure we’ll be looking closely at health care fraud (cases).”
Bennett says her move here has been rewarding both personally and professionally. She expects that to continue as well.
“What I like best is the challenge of trying to keep the nation safe. It’s very interesting work,” she said. “And I like working with the people here because of their dedication.”
|
|
|
|
 |
RN
RN, Director of Quality / Education: to plan, organize, develop and direct all staff development and CQI programs. North...>MORE
Driver
Drivers CDLA. Must be able to go to Canada Good pay, great benefits. Call 278-2000 Ext. 106...>MORE
Cook Manager
COOK /Manager full time exp. req. Call for appt. 297-2500 ask for general manager. ...>MORE
Instructors
Join Our Team! Would you like to work on a top performing team who is ranked 17th in the nation and have the opport...>MORE
Nursing
NURSING. ElderWood Senior Care, "Care Without Compromise". We invite you to stop by and learn how you can become part of...>MORE
Activities Director
Activities Director FT AS Degree and /or or 3-5 yrs exp working in adult home. Send Resume To: Ransomville Manor at 35...>MORE
Certified Pharmacy Tech's & Certified Medication Tech's
Certified Pharmacy Tech’s & Certified Medication Tech’s Competitive wages. Call Lisa McKensie Ransomville Manor 79...>MORE
FLOOR ASSISTANT
Floor asst. needed for approx. 30-35 hrs/wk in a podiatry office, no exp. nec., will train, call between 12-2:30 pm for ...>MORE
Assistant Director
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Alumni Relations (ft) sought by the Alumni Relations Department of Niagara University, a private...>MORE
Insulation Installer
Insulation Installers. Exp. preferred but will train the right candidates. Start $8-$10/hr. Earn $15. in less than 30 da...>MORE
See all ads |
Buick 2005 LeSabre
BUICK 2005 Lesabre Custom, excellent condition, fully loaded, $6700 or best offer, 754-4540...>MORE
1998 Ford F150
FORD 1998 F-150 XLT, 2-WD, supercab, 152k, good cond. $2900 or BO. 297-9184 or 698-5418....>MORE
Ford 1999 Ranger
FORD 1999 Ranger, 5 speed, 130K, fair condition, $2000 or best offer, 716-310-0531...>MORE
1995 Plymouth Neon
Plymouth ‘95 Neon, 4 cyl, auto, 4 dr, exc in & out, 1 owner, only 56k orig. mi, no rust. $2195. 523-7102 ...>MORE
1996 Mazda L3000
MAZDA L3000 pick-up 1996, 6 cyl, runs good, new tires & battery, just inspect., $1500. 284-7529....>MORE
VW 2001 Beetle
VW 2001 Beetle, loaded, GLX turbo, exc. cond, all service records, fun to drive, blue bk $5600, take best offer, 990-06...>MORE
Pontiac 1999 Montana
PONTIAC 1999 Montana 57,000 original miles, full options, like new, $3300, 694-0441...>MORE
Chevy 2007 Impala LT
CHEVY 2007 Impala LT 25,800 mi, ext. warranty Exc. Cond, $16,500 297-2199...>MORE
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria 4 dr, loaded, new tires must see & drive $3500. red. 860-2854...>MORE
1991 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 1991 Caravan, exc body, runs great, full power, needs TLC. $1200 or BO. Call 754-4608....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|