LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Hugo J. Barrera upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Profiles in Courage Award by the
National Police Defense Foundation on May 5, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Special Agent in Charge Hugo J. Barrera upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as recipient of the Profiles in Courage Award by the National
Police Defense Foundation, to be celebrated at its 2011 Annual Awards
Dinner on Thursday, May 5, 2011, at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach,
New York; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Hugo J. Barrera has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and
diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and
profession and consequently has been designated for this most presti-
gious award; and
WHEREAS, A native of Cuba, Hugo J. Barrera received his Bachelor's
Degree from Barry Catholic University, in Miami Shores, Florida; as a
veteran law enforcement professional, he became a Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in 1983; and
WHEREAS, Hugo J. Barrera conducted numerous national and international
undercover operations; he developed the ATF Home Invasion Investigation,
which is now a National Program; he spent seven years as a City of Miami
Police Officer in which he served as a Homicide Detective; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, Special Agent Hugo J. Barrera entered ATF's manage-
ment ranks and served in numerous positions; and
WHEREAS, In September of 1998, Hugo J. Barrera was appointed as
Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Field Division; he was
appointed as the Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Division,
overseeing ATF's investigative efforts in South Florida during post 9-11
terrorist attacks, and directing explosives threat assessments of
government buildings and structures in the South Florida area; and
WHEREAS, In July 2008, he returned to Miami, where he is now responsi-
ble for ATF operations in South Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands; due to the proximity of the Caribbean and the Americas,
he is also responsible for the prevention of the proliferation of ille-
gal firearms trafficking into these affected areas; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his returning to the Miami Field Division for his
second tour as SAC, Hugo J. Barrera served as Deputy Assistant Director,
Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Senior Executive Service, Special Agent Hugo
J. Barrera has served as a member of the Executive Committees of the
South Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force and of the Anti-Ter-
rorism Task Force; he is certified as an Anti-Terrorist Specialist and
has been involved in law enforcement/terrorism investigations, and
intelligence activities alongside United States military; he serves on
the Firearms Committee of the IACP, and is a member of the International
Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators; in addition, he was
the President of the ATF Hispanic Agents Association for three years;
and
WHEREAS, In 2009, Special Agent Hugo J. Barrera was the proud recipi-
ent of the prestigious Attorney General's Award of Excellence, earned

while serving as the Deputy Assistant Director of development of the
network for the International Bomb Data Centers; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Hugo
J. Barrera over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the wellbeing and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Hugo J. Barrera upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Profiles in Courage Award by the National Police Defense Founda-
tion on May 5, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Hugo J. Barrera.