September 21, 2026
Over the summer, Kameron Mahoney ’28 interned with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Washington, D.C., gaining firsthand experience in the agency’s efforts to protect communities.
Kameron’s interest in the ATF began at a young age from shows like Criminal Minds and NCIS. Through Ryan Kaye, a family friend who works with the agency, he gained an early look into the work, responsibilities, and impact of an ATF career. That firsthand exposure sparked a lasting interest and ultimately helped Kameron realize that this was a path he wanted to pursue.
According to the ATF’s website, the agency’s mission is to “protect American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson.” Furthermore, ATF personnel work to defend law-abiding citizens and uphold the Constitution by taking down violent offenders and trafficking networks and severing supply chains that arm ill-intentioned groups. For Kameron, the opportunity to contribute to this mission was the fulfillment of an ambition he had carried with him for years.
With the support of the dedicated team at the Hampden-Sydney Career Center, Kameron was prepared to take the next step toward his goal. Before winter break in 2025, his journey with the ATF began with the extensive government paperwork and security clearance process, which can take several months to complete. The Career Center also provided financial support to help make his internship in the nation’s capital possible.
Starting in May, Kameron was assigned to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force within ATF’s Washington Field Division, where he worked to combat drug trafficking alongside three other interns representing James Madison University, Virginia Tech, and Fredericksburg, Virginia. As the summer approached, the task force focused on removing as many illegal drugs and substances from the streets as possible ahead of the July 4th holiday. Through in-depth debriefs, undercover operations conducted multiple times a week, ride-alongs, and other hands-on experiences, the interns gained firsthand insight into the unpredictable nature of the work. The experience emphasized the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and most importantly, having each other’s backs.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Ryan Kaye for guiding me through the entire process,” Kameron says. “I’ve known him since I was five years old, so having him along the way made the experience even more meaningful. He didn’t work in my office, so getting to see him around was a really full-circle moment. My supervisor, Nico Coia, was also fantastic. I loved working under him, and the other special agents always made an effort to make the experience both engaging and informative for us.”
Throughout the summer, Kameron saw firsthand how closely federal agencies collaborate, working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Secret Service, and United States Postal Service to combat crime. The experience gave him a deeper appreciation for the role each agency plays in advancing a shared mission and the importance of collaboration in the field.
“I would say the biggest takeaway from this experience is the importance of maintaining a good image of yourself,” Kameron says. “I started thinking about it as a would you do this if your parents were watching mindset. It’s important to always remain truthful, responsible, and accountable for your actions.”
Through his commitment to serving and protecting others, Kameron embodies the spirit of Hampden-Sydney’s mission to form good men and good citizens. Looking ahead, he plans to continue pursuing a career in the field, carrying the lessons and experiences he gained at the College with him as he works to serve his communities and help keep others safe.