LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection hosted a Change of Command ceremony in Laredo today to formally instate David P. Higgerson as Director, Field Operations for Laredo Field Office. CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske announced that effective June 3, 2014 David P. Higgerson has been selected to serve as Director, Field Operations for Laredo Field Office.
“A change of command is, like the ceremony points out, a new beginning. With new beginnings come hope. It is my sincere desire that we can build on the already established successes and expand our partnerships to take us into the 21st century,” said David P. Higgerson, CBP Director, Field Operations, Laredo Field Office. Higgerson went on to say, “This is a broadminded and energetic field office. I am excited about assuming command here and look forward to working with everyone throughout the eight ports that the field office encompasses in making this a model field office and making our communities a showplace for how safe and secure trade and travel are accomplished.”
DFO David P. Higgerson carries the CBP Field Operations guidon after formally assuming command as Director, Field Operations for Laredo Field Office in a Change of Command ceremony held in Laredo, Texas.
John P. Wagner, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, presented DFO Higgerson with the CBP Field Operations guidon to symbolically convey the Change of Command in a ceremony held at the United Independent School District Student Activity Center in Laredo that was steeped in CBP traditions, including a presentation of colors by the CBP Field Operations Honor Guard, a CBP bugler that intoned the national anthem and a CBP Field Operations Pipes and Drums Team that performed the CBP Field Operations March.
The Laredo Field Office processes over 53 million people, more than 19.6 million vehicles, nearly 2.8 million commercial trucks, and in excess of $141.8 billion in international trade in Fiscal Year 2013.
David P. Higgerson has had an extensive government career, from July 2013 to June 2014 Mr. Higgerson served as the DFO at the El Paso Field Office, from 2012 to 2013, Mr. Higgerson served as the Acting DFO in El Paso. Prior to El Paso Mr. Higgerson served as the DFO for the Tucson Field Office from 2007 to 2012.
Mr. Higgerson has more than 40 years’ experience in government, with vast experience in international relations, law enforcement, and trade issues. A proven leader, he has been the recipient of numerous awards, including several from such prestigious organizations as the World Customs Organization. Mr. Higgerson is married to Maria Teresa Higgerson and has five children.
Mr. Higgerson began his career working with Canal Zone Customs in the Panama Canal Zone in 1971. Prior to being selected as the Director, Field Operation in Tucson, Mr. Higgerson worked in a variety of positions, including as the Port Director in Hidalgo-Pharr, TX, the fourth-largest port of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. He has also served as the acting Director of Field Operations for the Laredo Field Office, where he oversaw operations at eight ports of entry extending from Brownsville to Del Rio.
Mr. Higgerson performed honorable military service with the U.S. Army and is a proud graduate of the St. John Military Academy. He also holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting.