Episode 33 retired Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Joe Kirkland

Years of Service: 1987-2018

Joe started his law enforcement career at the age of 24 with the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1987. He worked with INS for 3 ½ years in the Washington DC Metro area where he worked hand in hand with state, local, and federal agencies combatting the crack cocaine epidemic that was plaguing the DC area. In 1990, Joe was hired by the DEA and worked for a brief period of time in Washington DC before being transferred to the Tucson Office. While there, Joe worked a wide range of drug investigations and eventually was assigned to the Public Corruption Squad working closely with the FBI. In 1992, Joe completed one tour with a DEA program called SNOCAP which focused on operations in Central and South America. After 9 years working in Tucson, Joe was transferred to Billings Montana, where he worked and was promoted to the Resident Agent in Charge. Joe retired from the DEA in 2018.