Statement by Secretary Janet Napolitano on the Death of Retired CBP Officer David Hillman

"It is with great sadness that I learned yesterday that Mr. David Hillman, a retired U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer with more than 30 years of federal service, was killed in a suicide bombing at the Inland Customs Warehouse in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Like many former DHS employees, Mr. Hillman was continuing to serve his country by contributing his vast knowledge and experience, working as a Border Mentor and Advisor in Afghanistan. Mr. Hillman began his career with the U.S Customs Service in Buffalo, New York in 1973. He served in various assignments, including as a Customs Inspector, Supervisor, Program Manager, and, prior to his retirement in 2009, the Port Director at the Halifax International Airport.

The entire DHS family expresses our deepest sympathies to Mr. Hillman’s family and friends, as well as all those affected by this terrible act—including retired CBP personnel Michael Lachowsky, Terry Sherrill, and Vernon Rinus, who were injured in this attack.

We also keep in our thoughts and prayers all of those who put their lives at risk every day, at home and abroad, to defend our country. We honor their service and pray for their continued safety."