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This week’s blog dives into key moments in U.S. Border Patrol history. Explore the Border Patrol’s role in President Johnson’s 1967 visit, Operation Pressure in 1959, and the sacrifices of Patrol Inspector Ross A. Gardner and Border Patrol Agent David R. Delaney. We also highlight the heroic actions of agents Tony Miranda and Jesus E. De La Vega, who put their lives on the line to save others. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/edgqMudr #USBP #HonorFirst #BorderPatrol #Leadership #Service #Sacrifice #History #Heroism

This week’s blog offers a deep dive into key moments in U.S. Border Patrol history, from the leadership of Frank Berkshire to the ultimate sacrifices made by agents like Jesus de la Ossa, Thomas J. Williams, and Catherine M. Hill. Their dedication and service left a lasting impact on the Border Patrol. Read the blog to learn more about their incredible contributions: https://lnkd.in/ek6AkvC5 #USBP #HonorFirst #BorderPatrol #Leadership #Service #Sacrifice #Legacy

Honoring Acts of Courage: October 19, 2015 On this day in 2015, Border Patrol Agents Juan Cruz, Jr. and Marcus K. Johnson displayed remarkable bravery during a life-threatening rescue near the Hidalgo, Texas, Settling Basin. At approximately 2:00 a.m., the agents responded to a call for help after a man had jumped into the water basin and was struggling to stay afloat, periodically disappearing beneath the surface. Despite the dangerous conditions and the cold, dark water, Agents Cruz and Johnson made several courageous attempts to rescue the individual, even as their makeshift safety line fell short. After multiple attempts and sustaining injuries to their feet, both agents refused to give up. When informed that the fire department could not attempt a rescue due to safety policies, they borrowed life vests, re-entered the dangerous waters, and successfully reached the individual, bringing him safely to shore. Thanks to their persistence and heroism, the man was saved and made a full recovery. Agents Cruz and Johnson’s actions exemplify the selflessness and dedication of the U.S. Border Patrol. Learn more about the Newton-Azrak Award and its recipients: https://lnkd.in/e_8qk3MF. #NewtonAzrakAward #USBP #HonorFirst #Heroism #Leadership #BorderPatrol #Bravery #Courage

Honoring Bravery: October 14, 1979 On this day in 1979, Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Myron Merchant displayed extraordinary courage and resilience during a life-threatening encounter near Mooers Forks, New York. Responding to a report of two men walking along Cannon Corners Road, BPA Merchant took a surveillance position. When the suspects fled into the woods, he pursued them on foot. Suddenly, at close range, he was ambushed and shot in the abdomen. Despite being gravely injured, BPA Merchant managed to return fire, ultimately neutralizing the threat. Even as he was severely wounded, he marked the location of the assailant and crawled back to the road to meet his fellow agent. Thanks to his quick thinking, a description of the second suspect helped lead to his capture. The two men were later identified as escapees responsible for the murder of a Montreal police officer. BPA Merchant’s incredible bravery, even while under fire and injured, is a testament to the courage and dedication that defines the United States Border Patrol. Learn more about the Newton-Azrak Award and its recipients: https://lnkd.in/e_8qk3MF. #NewtonAzrakAward #USBP #HonorFirst #Heroism #BorderPatrol #Bravery #Leadership #Courage

This week’s blog takes us through leadership transitions, legal milestones, and heroic acts that have shaped the U.S. Border Patrol. On October 13, 1943, acting Chief John Nelson took temporary leadership as the Border Patrol faced high turnover during World War II. Meanwhile, the Nationality Act of 1940, passed on October 14, unified U.S. laws on citizenship and nationality, impacting Border Patrol operations throughout and after the war. We honor the sacrifices of Patrol Inspector John A. Rector, who tragically lost his life on October 16, 1956, after a fellow officer, Bill Jordan, accidentally discharged a loaded .357 Magnum, fatally striking Rector through a partition wall. We also remember Senior Patrol Inspector Elgar B. Holliday, who succumbed to a heart attack on October 18, 1967, after days of overexertion during Hurricane Beulah relief efforts, and Pilot Weldon Smith, who tragically died in a plane crash on October 19, 1979, while assisting agents on the ground. This week, we also recognize Border Patrol Agent Myron B. Merchant, who was wounded during a shootout on October 14, 1979, while apprehending two dangerous fugitives. Additionally, we reflect on the bravery of Border Patrol Agents Juan Cruz Jr. and Marcus K. Johnson, who risked their lives on October 19, 2015, to rescue a drowning individual despite dangerous conditions. Explore this week’s blog to learn more about these stories and the legacy of service and sacrifice that continues to define the U.S. Border Patrol. Read the blog here - https://lnkd.in/eCPjcwS8 #USBP #BorderPatrol #HonorFirst #LawEnforcementHistory #Heroism #Sacrifice #WWII #Bravery #Service

Honoring Acts of Heroism: October 12, 2002 Today, we remember the incredible bravery displayed by Senior Patrol Agent Robert H. Arnold Jr. and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Herbert L. Williams during a dangerous incident that took place on October 12, 2002. While pursuing a narcotics load vehicle containing 1,900 pounds of marijuana near Ft. Hancock, Texas, Agents Arnold and Valerie Jaramillo were ambushed by armed assailants who began shooting from across the border. Despite their vehicle being disabled and Agent Jaramillo being injured, Agent Arnold returned fire, holding the line under intense gunfire. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Herbert L. Williams arrived as backup, taking heavy fire himself, and positioned his vehicle to provide cover for the extraction of the injured Agent Jaramillo. Amidst 240 rounds of automatic gunfire, these agents risked their lives to protect each other and ensure their safe retreat. Their courage and dedication are a testament to the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Border Patrol. Learn more about the Newton-Azrak Award and its recipients here: https://lnkd.in/e_8qk3MF #NewtonAzrakAward #USBP #HonorFirst #Heroism #BorderPatrol #Bravery #Leadership #Courage

This week’s blog features pivotal moments that highlight the evolving role of the U.S. Border Patrol. From early discussions in 1918 about establishing a “regular patrol” to enforce wartime measures, to the 1924 recruitment announcement that allowed women to apply, the history of the Patrol is full of interesting milestones. We also honor the sacrifices of Border Patrol agents like Robert M. Hotten and Henley M. Goode, Jr., and recount the heroism of agents like Robert H. Arnold Jr. and Herbert L. Williams, who faced heavy gunfire in 2002 while protecting their fellow agents. Curious to dive deeper into these events and the agents who made history? Explore this week’s blog to discover more about the Border Patrol’s enduring legacy of service and sacrifice. https://lnkd.in/eHuvuYrK

On October 3, 1990, Border Patrol Pilot Howard H. Gay tragically lost his life near Alpine, Texas, while attempting to assist a stranded motorist in heavy fog. His actions that day were so selfless and courageous that the Immigration and Naturalization Service posthumously awarded him the Newton-Azrak Award, the highest honor given to Border Patrol employees. However, despite this recognition, Howard has never been officially acknowledged as having died in the line of duty, and his name is not inscribed on the CBP Valor Memorial, where other fallen heroes are honored. Howard’s bravery was recognized with the Patrol’s highest award, yet his sacrifice has yet to be fully acknowledged as a Line of Duty Death. His legacy and commitment to helping others should not be forgotten. Learn more about Howard H. Gay’s story and legacy: https://lnkd.in/eK3EA4KT #USBP #HonorFirst #NewtonAzrakAward #LineOfDuty #BorderPatrol #Legacy #ServiceAndSacrifice #LawEnforcement #NeverForget

Honoring Heroism: One Year Later Today marks the one-year anniversary of Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Miguel A. Garcia’s extraordinary act of bravery. On October 1, 2023, while off duty and traveling with his wife in Murrieta, California, Agent Garcia encountered a life-threatening situation and took decisive action. He noticed a vehicle on the roadside with smoke billowing from the engine and a young woman trapped inside, frantically signaling for help. Without hesitation, Agent Garcia stopped, assessed the danger, and realized that the car doors were jammed. With the fire spreading quickly, he retrieved a lug wrench from his truck, smashed the passenger-side window, and pulled the woman to safety with the help of his wife. Moments later, the car was engulfed in flames. Thanks to Agent Garcia’s quick thinking and courage, the woman’s life was saved that day. His selflessness and decisive actions are a testament to the values of the United States Border Patrol, going far beyond the call of duty. To learn more about the Newton-Azrak Award and its recipients, visit https://lnkd.in/e_8qk3MF. #NewtonAzrakAward #USBP #HonorFirst #Heroism #BorderPatrol #Courage #Selflessness #Anniversary #Leadership #Service

Several key moments and anniversaries come to the forefront during this week. In 1962, Border Patrol agents bravely assisted during the University of Mississippi riots, working alongside U.S. Marshals and the National Guard to restore order. These efforts resulted in several agents being wounded, but their courage in the face of hostility exemplified their commitment to upholding the law. We also acknowledge the founding of the Special Operations Group (SOG) on September 30, 2007, in El Paso, Texas. This significant milestone consolidated BORSTAR and BORTAC under one command, ensuring that tactical and emergency response operations were streamlined for national security. Among the honors and sacrifices remembered this week are several line-of-duty deaths, including Senior Patrol Agent Josiah B. Mahar in 1988, Airplane Pilot Friedrich Karl and Senior Patrol Agent John S. Blue, who tragically died in an airplane crash in 1973, and Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie, who was mortally wounded in 2012. This week also marks the anniversary of Border Patrol Pilot Howard H. Gay’s heroic actions on October 3, 1990, which posthumously earned him the Newton-Azrak Award. Although his death, caused while attempting to assist a stranded motorist during heavy fog, warranted the Newton-Azrak Award, it remains unrecognized as a line-of-duty death (LODD). Finally, on October 1, 2023, Border Patrol Agent Miguel A. Garcia received the Newton-Azrak Award for conspicuous heroism when he saved a young woman trapped in a vehicle moments before it was engulfed in flames. His quick thinking and bravery brought great credit to the United States Border Patrol. Each of these stories, whether of heroism, sacrifice, or milestones in Border Patrol history, reminds us of the unwavering dedication of those who serve. We invite you to read this week’s blog for the full stories and insights into these significant events in U.S. Border Patrol history. #USBP #HonorFirst #NewtonAzrakAward #BorderPatrolHistory #FallenHeroes #USBorderPatrol #LawEnforcement #Bravery #LegacyOfService #USBPHistory #BorderPatrolAnniversary https://lnkd.in/eSS7x5NC