Border Security Alliance Adds New Members to Advisory Council
New Members Bring Decades of Knowledge Regarding Illicit Trade and Trafficking
Phoenix, AZ — The Border Security Alliance announced today new members to the Advisory Council, a group of local leaders along the northern and southern borders. The Border Security Alliance (BSA) is a national coalition dedicated to safeguarding America’s borders and ports through advocacy, education, and collaboration. The organization’s mission is to counter the rising threats of smuggling, human trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime exploiting vulnerabilities along U.S. borders and ports of entry.
“For the past few months, our team has traveled the nation learning about the unique border security challenges in states that typically do not make headline news, but the public safety threat is real,” said Jobe Dickinson, President of BSA. “The message from community leaders across the Northern and Southern border states is clear: we cannot waiver on our commitment to securing our borders and tackling the issues of human trafficking, illicit drugs, and counterfeit goods flooding into our communities. We are pleased to welcome additional states to the Advisory Council and expand our mission to ensure a safer nation.”
The Advisory Council, launched earlier this year, helps educate the public and policy leaders about the challenges communities face along the northern and southern borders. The new members of the Advisory Council include:
Bill Wright, New Hampshire, Belknap County Sheriff
Sheriff Bill Wright brings over 28 years of law enforcement experience to his role, including 20 years with the Belknap County Sheriff’s Office. His diverse background spans local, state, and federal service, including positions with the Franklin and Belmont Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the New Hampshire Army National Guard.
Elected Sheriff in 2021, Wright is committed to strengthening community trust, improving interagency collaboration, and enhancing public safety across Belknap County. Under his leadership, the Office has expanded its services through participation in the federal 287(g) program and proactive initiatives aimed at improving public safety delivery.
Sheriff Wright currently serves as President of the New Hampshire Sheriffs’ Association. He is also a member of the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, the New Hampshire Judicial Rules Committee, the Governor’s Highway Safety Task Force, and serves as an E911 Commissioner. He continues to advocate for accountability, transparency, and innovation in local law enforcement.
“Being Sheriff is about service, accountability, and building trust,” Wright said. “Our job is to protect the public while working alongside the community not apart from it. Partnering with the Border Security Alliance reinforces our commitment to safer communities.”
David Reynoso, California, Former El Monte Police Chief
Chief David Reynoso was born in Los Angeles California and spent part of his early childhood living in Mexico. In June 1985, Chief Reynoso enlisted in the United States Marine Corps five days after his high school graduation. Chief Reynoso proudly served his country for over four years. From January 1990 to April 2015, Chief Reynoso served the City of Baldwin Park Police Department, where he obtained the rank of police captain. He worked a variety of assignments including gang and narcotic investigations, traffic supervision, SWAT, and a variety of administrative duties.
Chief Reynoso was appointed Police Chief of the City of El Monte Police Department on April 6, 2015. The El Monte Police Department (EMPD) is the 10th largest department in Los Angeles County. During his tenure as Chief of Police, the police department seized thousands of counterfeit vape devices that were being produced in unregulated locations such as home garages and unkempt warehouses.
Chief Reynoso retired from police work in December 2021 and now works as the Chief of Operations for a private security company in Southern California that employs nearly 500 people. Chief Reynoso also provides consulting and expert testimony services on police practices.
“For more than 40 years, I have witnessed the impacts of our nation’s failed border security policies on local communities in California,” said Reynoso. “I have always been a strong advocate against the use, manufacturing, and sales of illegal narcotics, including counterfeit and illegal vape devices. I look forward to continuing this important work with the Border Security Alliance and raising awareness on an often-overlooked issue.”
Pat Eliasen, Minnesota, Cook County Sheriff
Sheriff Pat Eliasen started his law enforcement career in February of 1995, as a patrolman for the Grand Marais Police Department. In September of 1995, he began work as a full-time Deputy Sheriff for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. In 2006, he became the lead firearms instructor not only for the Sheriff’s Office, but for the law enforcement training program through Hibbing Technical College. In 2014, Sheriff Eliasen was elected as Sheriff and took office on January 1, 2015.
Sheriff Eliasen has led efforts to implement a host of initiatives focused on bolstering training, building stronger community relationships, providing critical incident support to staff, working with state partners to develop the Mental Health Response Guide for law enforcement, created a Chaplain program for responders in Cook County, an active member of the Northern Border Task Force through National Sheriff’s Association, and ensuring employees are held to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Sheriff Eliasen has worked collaboratively with the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa to install the first Great Lakes Marine Unit of its kind in the nation. Sheriff Eliasen is married to his wife, Valerie, and they have 2 children.
Sheriff Eliasen completed his Masters of Criminal Justice Leadership through Concordia University – St. Paul and currently teaches criminal justice classes at his alma mater. The family lives in Grand Marais and Thunder Bay, Ontario and loves hunting, fishing, golfing, and being on the water.
“Northern border states such as Minnesota face unique challenges that differ greatly from what is often reported along the Southern Border,” said Eliasen. “It is imperative that law enforcement, community leaders, and elected officials understand the nuances of the Northern border and the real threats to public safety. I applaud the Border Security Alliance for prioritizing the Northern Border and am honored to serve on the Advisory Council.”
The new Advisory Council members join Tom Galvin (Arizona) Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors; Demi Kouzounas (Maine) Veteran and Small Business Owner; Luisa del Rosal (Texas) Policy Analyst & Community Leader; and Craig Meidl (Washington) Former Spokane Police Chief.