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  Heather J. Fong

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      Site LinksHeather J. Fong
Assistant Secretary for State and Local Law Enforcement

            Ms. Heather Fong joined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the Secretary’s Senior Counselor for law enforcement on March 1, 2021. Secretary Mayorkas appointed Ms. Fong as the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office for State & Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) on May 21, 2021. On July 31, 2023, the Secretary appointed her as the Assistant Secretary of OSLLE and she continues to serve in both roles.

Ms. Fong previously served a 32-year career in the San Francisco Police Department. Sworn in as a police officer in 1977, she worked up through the ranks of inspector, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. During her career, she was assigned to both foot and motor patrol, served as an Academy training officer and instructor, child abuse investigator, drug education instructor, grant writer, strategic planner, district station watch commander, and district station commander. In August 1998, she was promoted to commander and assigned to the Special Operations Division, with responsibility for the Traffic, Tactical, and MUNI Transit companies. In June 2000, upon promotion to deputy chief, she was assigned to the Field Operations Bureau, where she managed the uniform patrol force. In August 2002, then Deputy Chief Fong was assigned to the Administration Bureau to oversee the budget, planning, training, staff services, and support services divisions for the Department, and in May 2003, was appointed Assistant Chief of Police. Ms. Fong was appointed Acting Chief of Police on January 22, 2004 and then was the official Chief of Police from April 14, 2004 through August 8, 2009.

From November 17, 2014 through January 20, 2017, Ms. Fong served as the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant Secretary for State and Local Law Enforcement. A/S Fong and her team were the primary liaisons for the DHS Secretary with state, local, campus, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies.

Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Senior Counselor Fong holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Francisco, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University. Over the years, she has also volunteered her time for a number of non-profit organizations.

    Last Updated: 08/01/2023
  
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