There will always be more to do, but today, America is significantly stronger and safer than ever before," he said in his resignation letter. (Ridge's letter)
Ridge later told reporters: "The president has given me an extraordinary opportunity to serve my country in this incredible period since September 11th, 2001.""I think we've accomplished a great deal in a short period of time," Ridge said. "We have to be right a billion-plus times a year. ... The terrorists only have to be right once."
President Bush hailed Ridge's efforts as the nation's first-ever secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, overseeing its 180,000 personnel.
"His efforts have resulted in safer skies, increased border and port security, and enhanced measures to safeguard our critical infrastructure and the American public," Bush said in a written statement. "In the fight against terrorism, he has played a vital role in protecting the American people from a real and ongoing threat."