News Release
November 22, 2010
Erin McKenzie-Mulvey
Public Information Officer
(212) 337-2906

Federal Drug Agents Foundation (FDAF) Presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Special Agent in Charge John P. Gilbride

Rita Crosby presenting Lifetime Achievement Award to SAC Gilbride	SAC Gilbride accepting Lifetime Achievement Award

NOV 22 - On October 18, 2010 the Federal Drug Agents Foundation (FDAF) presented Special Agent in Charge John P. Gilbride with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Harmonie Club in Manhattan, New York.

The FDAF was formed in 1994 by a group of leaders from the worlds of business and the professions. The Foundation's mission is to provide a support mechanism for the professionals of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), their families and whenever possible, their law enforcement counterparts.

Every fall, the FDAF hosts an awards ceremony honoring law enforcement officers for their dedication to duty throughout the year. This year the FDAF created an award specifically for SAC John P. Gilbride to honor his lifetime commitment to law enforcement and specifically for what he has done throughout his career with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
John P. Gilbride, a New Jersey native, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University, and a Masters of Arts Degree in Human Resource Training and Development from Seton Hall University.

Mr. Gilbride began his career with the DEA in 1981 as a student intern in the New York Field Division (NYFD). In 1982, he joined DEA as a Diversion Investigator in the Newark FD. In 1983 he became a Special Agent and graduated first in his Basic Agent class from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center located in Glynco, Georgia. As a Special Agent, he served in various assignments including the Newark, Philadelphia and New York Field Divisions. In 1991, Mr. Gilbride was promoted to a Group Supervisor in the New York Field Division, where he directed enforcement efforts utilizing federally authorized wiretaps to infiltrate and dismantle International Drug Trafficking Organizations.
In 1995, Mr. Gilbride was assigned as a Staff Coordinator in DEA Headquarters/Special Operations Division, where he coordinated multi-jurisdictional wiretap investigations, leading to the disruption and dismantling of major international drug cartels. In 1997, Mr. Gilbride was promoted to Section Chief in DEA Headquarters, International Operations. Mr. Gilbride coordinated the efforts of thirteen Federal agencies, and was DEA’s Liaison to the Intelligence Community, formulating strategic and tactical plans to disrupt and dismantle narcotic trafficking organizations in South and Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico.

DEA Troop 99-10 Explorers and SBF Black and Gold Bags and Pipes at the 2010 FDAF Award Ceremony

In 1999, Mr. Gilbride was assigned to the New York Field Division as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC). Mr. Gilbride managed and directed several successful enforcement operations using “roving” wiretaps and other innovative techniques in targeting international cocaine and ecstasy distribution organizations. In 2000, Mr. Gilbride was assigned to oversee the New York Field Division’s money laundering operations, as well as drug interdiction investigations being conducted by multi-agency enforcement personnel at New York City airports, seaports, bus and train stations.
In 2002, Mr. Gilbride was promoted to the Senior Executive Service as the Associate Special Agent in Charge of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF). The NYDETF, having been established in 1970, is DEA’s oldest and largest task force, made up of over 200 members from DEA, the New York City Police Department and New York State Police.

In 2004, Mr. Gilbride was reassigned to the Detroit Field Division as the Special Agent in Charge, where he was responsible for approximately 280 DEA personnel and over 140 State and Local Enforcement Officers assigned to 15 DEA offices in Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky.
In February 2005, Mr. Gilbride was reassigned to the New York Field Division as the Special Agent in Charge. The New York Field Division is DEA’s largest Field Division, with a staff of approximately 800 employees.

Mr. Gilbride has been the recipient numerous awards including DEA’s highest honors, the Administrator’s Award of Honor and the DEA Purple Heart, for injuries sustained in the line of duty. Mr. Gilbride is also a member of the New York City Police Department’s Honor Legion. Mr. Gilbride is married with two children.