see also: in August 2007 News Releases:   Border Patrol Agents Seize Drugs at California Checkpoint   Palm Beach, Fla. Welcomes New Tool in Fighting Terror Weapons   Drug Seizure Activity at Border Ports Remains Brisk; El Paso CBP Nabs More Than 2 Tons of Pot   Yuma Border Agents Help Local Police Track 3 Fleeing Burglary Scene   CBP Officers at Laredo, Texas Entry Seize Almost $6 Million in Drugs in Two Seizures   Suspected Smuggling Lookouts Captured in Desert   1st Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Northwest Retires ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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YUMA, Ariz. — Five U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents were named Federal Law Enforcement Officer Association 2006 Bravery and Heroism Award winners.

Supervisory Border Patrol Agents Jeremy Schappell and Humberto Martinez, from the Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector, as well as Senior Patrol Agent Michael Nigro, from the Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Sector were recognized for bravery stemming from a March 2006 encounter that left a criminal illegal alien dead.

During the encounter, the three agents, who are part of the Border Patrol’s National Special Response Team, were conducting a counter-bandit operation known as Brigand Snare when they faced imminent danger by several individuals stalking them in total darkness. An individual closed to within a few yards of the agents’ position and began yelling at them before firing a gun in their direction. The agents returned fire killing the gunman, who was later identified as a known “border bandit.”

Senior Patrol Agents William Hoekema and John Adkisson, also from the Yuma Sector and part of the sector’s Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) Team, were recognized for heroism stemming from a May 2006 incident in which their actions resulted in saving the life of a fellow agent.

Agents Hoekema and Adkisson responded to a request for assistance in locating the agent, who was missing after several hours tracking a group of suspected illegal aliens in the remote desert west of Ajo, Ariz. They found the missing agent, who was severely dehydrated and suffering from hyperthermia, and quickly administered life-saving first aid before transporting him to the hospital for additional treatment.

Border Patrol Agent Michael Norton, also of the Yuma Sector, received honorable mention for heroism for his actions stemming from a September 2006 encounter with an illegal alien who nearly drowned in a canal.

While conducting patrols near San Luis, Ariz., Agent Norton heard someone yelling for help. He responded and located the distressed man in the canal. Agent Norton attempted to rescue the man by himself, but was unsuccessful. Another agent responded to assist and Agent Norton was able to lean into the water to pull the man to safety.

“The actions of these individuals embody what the Border Patrol is all about,” said Yuma Sector’s Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson. “We are first and foremost defenders of our nation’s borders, and we will make the tough choices when ours or others lives are in danger. But we are also human beings, and in some cases enforcement actions quickly become rescue operations, so we have to switch roles. I’m extremely proud of these individuals for their displays of courage under difficult conditions."

The agents will formally receive their awards during the Association’s next International Conference, scheduled for fall, 2008.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.