Story Created:
Jan 6, 2009
Story Updated:
Jan 7, 2009
We have new information on the retirement of Border Patrol Chief Carlos Carrillo.
We've heard from others in the community about his hasty exit from the B.P.'s top position.Now we hear from the chief himself.
Our Noraida Negron has the exclusive interview.
Carlos X. Carrillo - Former Border Patrol Chief
"I learned that once you decide to retire to make the announcement public or early serves no real purpose."
That is the reason why former Border Patrol Chief Carlos Carrillo says he decided to retire quietly.
Saying he didn't want his departure to be a distraction.
" What's more important is the work being done on a daily basis not the fact that someone is retiring. I didn't want my retirement to be a distraction to the men and women in the field...that my commands didn't matter anymore."
Like his famous push-ups used to welcome new agents Carrillo says he wanted to remain a strong figure for the sector.
Turning 55 in November played a role in his decision to say goodbye.
" When I first came into the border patrol back in 1983 the mandatory retirement was 55 and my goal has always been to retire at 55."
He calls his two years of service as chief here in Laredo something special.
" It was a privilege and i was fortunate to have good people and fortunate to have the support of the community and to be in a community as fine as Laredo."
So what is next for the former chief…
" There’s no demand for someone with my experience other than with the border patrol i anticipate that there will be opportunity with other agencies or overseas."
Carlos Carrillo says he wants to stay in Laredo with his family and he especially wants to remain active in the community.
