February Birthday Brilliance
February is known for the birth of Presidents and Valentine’s Day. Yet this month is also when two other iconic figures were born!
Seventy-five years ago, the classic Looney Tunes cartoon released “Fast and Furry-ous” introducing the world to Wile. E. Coyote. Wile E. Coyote is best known for his relentless pursuit of the Road Runner, another character from the same series. Wile E. is depicted as an anthropomorphic coyote who devises elaborate schemes and uses various Acme Corporation products to capture the speedy Road Runner, but his plans always backfire, leading to humorous and often catastrophic results for him. The character is well known for his determination and resilience, despite his repeated failures. While Wile E. Coyote is a classic example of a "villain" in cartoons, his constant pursuit of the Road Runner has made him a beloved and iconic character in popular culture.
Serendipitously, also in February, the world was introduced to another larger-than-life figure. One who would devise elaborate plans for harnessing and channeling the collective power of investigators, forensic technicians, and prosecutors to target violent criminals. One who is also known for his determination and resilience, despite setbacks over the years owing to implementing change across the Federal, state, and local governments. One who has become a beloved and iconic figure in law enforcement and crime gun intelligence. While no villain, Pete Gagliardi came to be on the very same day as Wile E. Coyote. Seventy-five years later he continues his relentless pursuit of justice, resolution, and peace by writing, speaking, and consulting for government agencies as to how best to address violent crime.
I have known Pete for just about 10 years now; however, like so many others who have come to know him, he has left an indelible mark on me owing to his mentorship and guidance over the years. In 2019, I penned a blog post entitled Every Jedi Needs a Yoda: The Value of Mentors in One’s Career that celebrated Pete and forever associated him with his Jedi Master skills. Funny that recently I found myself in a large group text wishing “Yoda” a Happy 75th Birthday.
In November of 1992, while serving at ATF Headquarters in DC, Pete and a small group of colleagues embarked on the development of a concept to establish a nationwide network for the comparison and sharing of firearm and ballistic information that would ultimately be named: The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network - NIBIN. Over the 30+ years since, Pete has remained deeply involved in various roles during his tenure at ATF, later as a Vice President at Forensic Technology Inc., and today as a consultant on what has been labeled in recent years as crime gun intelligence.
While on opposing coasts, Pete and I communicate routinely, and I continue to be impressed with his passion for paying it forward to ensure that the next generation of law enforcement and government leaders have the tutelage necessary for advancing in their own leadership roles. Pete was the original co-host for the RF Factor podcast and continues to contribute ideas, topics, and content necessary for preparing tomorrow’s leaders.
Two weeks ago, LTC Joe Brennan of the NJSP, another acolyte of Pete’s, and I found a creative way to bring “Yoda” to the I-95 Working Group conference, convened in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Utilizing the power of the “force”, we were able to bring Pete to the conference to highlight his 7 key principles that successful crime gun intelligence programs must master. The conference was attended by senior police executives from up and down the I-95 corridor. To a person, “Yoda’s” principles resonated with them as they sought strategies for reducing gun violence and targeting recidivist offenders.
So, my ask of you is to wish Pete a very Happy Birthday this month! And thank him for his contributions to the reduction of violent crime while at the same time ensuring that justice for victims, resolution for their families, and peace for those communities involved always remain front and center. It is not every day we get to know and experience a true American hero, and especially one that surpassed his birthday twin – Wile E. Coyote – in his relentless pursuit of a meaningful goal: justice, resolution, and peace.
Happy birthday my friend. Following our first meeting when Pete was Congressional Liaison for ATF and I wrote the budget for ATF as Chairman of TPS Appropriations Committee we became friends and that friendship has grown over the years. Happy birthday to a great American. Pete, you have contributed so much to the safety of our country and through your years with FTI, the World. It is an honor to call you “friend.” Enjoy your special day and don’t eat too much cake!