About This Program:
In this mini-documentary exclusive for Breaking Gov, award-winning journalist Dan Verton brings us back to the day that changed the world and traces the evolution of the homeland security mission through the eyes of three men who were present at its creation.

This is the story of the birth and evolution of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as told by the nation’s first secretary of Homeland Security, the deputy for counterterrorism on the National Security Council, and the CIA’s deputy director of intelligence, who would go on to become the first Staff Director for the House Select Committee on Homeland Security.

Each brings a unique perspective and conclusions on the challenges facing the DHS, its performance to date, and the evolution of the terrorist threat that ignited the largest U.S. government reorganization in half a century.

The Players (In order of appearance)

ROGER CRESSEY: On 9/11, served as Deputy of Counterterrorism on the U.S. National Security Council staff, where he oversaw coordination and implementation of U.S. counterterrorism policy. He managed the U.S. government response to numerous terrorism incidents, including the 9/11 and USS Cole attacks. He also served as the chief of staff of the President’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Board. He is now a senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton.

, and JOHN GANNON: Prior to 9/11, served 24 years in the CIA, including Deputy Director for Intelligence. For many years, he was responsible for the analysis that went into the President’s Daily Brief (PDB). Mr. Gannon went on to lead the White House team in the Department of Homeland Security Transition Planning Office and stood up the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate. After the creation of the DHS, Gannon served as the first staff director for the House of Representatives Select Committee on Homeland Security. He currently serves as the president of intelligence and security at BAE Systems.

TOM RIDGE: Shortly after 9/11, was appointed the first assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The creation of the country’s 15th cabinet department marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration and another call to service for the former soldier, congressman and governor of Pennsylvania. Tom Ridge served as secretary of this historic and critical endeavor until February 1, 2005. He currently serves as president and CEO of Ridge Global.

Tom Ridge served as Secretary of this historic and critical endeavor until February 1, 2005. Tom Ridge served as Secretary of this historic and critical endeavor until February 1, 2005.
Run Time: 12:34

Executive Producer & Editor: Dan Verton

Photo Credits: FEMA, CBP, The White House, Dan Verton

B-Roll Credits: The White House, DHS, Dan Verton