July 18, 2011, - 11:55 am
Former ICE Counterterrorism Agent, Army Vet on “Hell’s Kitchen”
I’m not normally a fan of the FOX show, “Hell’s Kitchen,” in which chefs compete under the hyper-abusive “tutelage” of hypocritical chef Gordon Ramsay (though I do like his other shows, “Kitchen Nightmare” and “Master Chef”). But I’ll be watching tonight and cheering on a friend and reader of this site, former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Brendan Heavey. In a day and age when ICE is an emasculated, demoralized agency without a real mission, Heavey left his days as a counterterrorism agent to realize his dream of becoming a renowned chef. He is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and a patriot.
Former ICE Agent Brendan Heavey Competes on “Hell’s Kitchen”
It’s an interesting transformation from fighting terrorism and drugs to working as a chef for the 31-year-old. As a U.S. Customs Service and then ICE agent based in Chicago, Brendan worked on narcotics, terrorism, money laundering, and import violations cases. He was assigned to the Narcotics unit and was the case agent for the largest all time heroin seizure in the history of the Customs Service: 56 kilos seized. He also took part in several ICE raids of illegal alien employers in 2008 and assisted ATF in their takedown of the Gangster Disciples (known as the “5-4 Crew” for their spot on 54th in Chicago).
Brendan served in the U.S. Army from 1999-2001 and was a 19K, M1A2 Armor Crewman with a rank of E-3, Private First Class. He was twice awarded the Army Medal for Military Achievement and was honorably discharged before 9/11.
After leaving ICE, Brendan attended culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago and is now the head chef at Irish Exit in New York City. His signature dish is salmon with basil cream sauce. YUM!
Good Luck, Brendan. We’re rooting for you.
Congratulations Mr. Heavey and continued success in your career!
Obviously a smart guy who saw the writing on the wall when it came to the bull at ICE/HSI (or whatever)(that sounds good on paper but in reality is an “emasculated” agency). At least now he’ll be able to develop intelligence and leads on criminal activity since he’ll be out in the field, something that the average ICE web-surfing, records printing, binder filling, going-out-to-lunch-with-the-boss, afraid-to-hit-the-streets, non-criminal investigating, Chipotle eating illegal alien processing, fake tough guy, cop wannabe “special agent” does in a career.
QTD on July 18, 2011 at 12:06 pm