Volume 9
death , SA Rios was working undercover when a suspect put a loaded machine gun to his head . He later learned this was their way of testing him to see , “ how he would react .” Agent Rios ( posthumously ) received several awards , including the Secretary ’ s ( of the Treasury ) Exceptional Service Award and a Meritorious Service Award from the Dade County Chief ’ s of Police Association in recognition of his investigative work in Dade County , FL .
Champions Edition
as an undercover narcotics agent in south Florida , subjecting himself to extreme stress and harrowing danger on a daily basis . He did so not for reward or recognition , but because he believed in the cause of justice , a cause that he served with commitment and skill .
Personal
SA Rios was born in New York , NY . He was survived by his wife , Elsie and their two children .
Attorney General Loretta E . Lynch Delivers Remarks at the Dedication of Ariel Rios Federal Building
Thank you , Deputy Director Thomas Brandon , for that kind introduction and for your outstanding leadership of the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives ( ATF ).
I also want to acknowledge my colleagues from across the Department of Justice who are here today , as well as the many current and former federal and local law enforcement officers and members of the armed forces who have taken the time to join us .
And , of course , I want to thank the family of Special Agent Ariel Rios – especially his wife , Elsie , and his children , Eileen and Frank . You honor us all with your presence .
We are here today to rename a building . But more importantly , we are here to honor a man . Thanks to the tireless efforts of lawmakers , law enforcement officers and members of the public , the headquarters of ATF will once again bear the name of Special Agent Ariel Rios .
This is as it should be . In an agency known for bravery and dedication – and in the rich history of the Department of Justice – Special Agent Rios stands out for his intrepid courage , total selflessness and steadfast integrity . At the age of just 27 , he accepted an assignment
Thirty-four years ago today , Special Agent Rios gave his life for that cause , when he and his partner , Special Agent Alex D ’ Atri , were executing an undercover operation in Miami .
Special Agent D ’ Atri suffered serious wounds in that operation , but he survived . He is here with us today , and I ask all of you to join me in recognizing his valor and heroism .
This is the second ATF headquarters building to be named for Special Agent Rios .
By consecrating this site in his memory , we give public expression to our private feelings : our gratitude for his service ; our admiration for his bravery ; and our awe at his sacrifice . The granite and steel within this foundation symbolize his strength and determination .
The soaring glass of the atrium echoes his open heart and generous soul . And the public facing sign we will soon dedicate illustrates his commitment to the protection of the American people . With this dedication , we ensure that future generations of ATF agents and employees will be inspired by the life and example of Special Agent Ariel Rios . And we show our determination to continue the work for which he gave his life .
116