see also: in July 2004:   Spanish Port of Algeciras 21st Container Security Initiative Port to go Operational   Thomson to Head CBP's Office of International Affairs   Container Security Initiative (CSI) Achieves Major Milestone: 20 of the World's Largest Ports Now Participating with the U.S. in CSI   CBP Officers Seize Over 11 Tons Of Marijuana At Otay Mesa   Homeland Security Expands Efforts to Combat Human Smuggling in the Los Angeles Area   CBP Border Patrol Seize Over 200 Pounds of Methamphetamine in Two Separate Incidents   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Graduates First Class of CBP Agriculture Specialists ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Buffalo, NY -- On July 10, 2004, the Niagara County (NY) Sheriffs Department requested assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Buffalo Border Patrol Sector's Air Operations unit to deliver an emergency life saving device to a vessel approximately 10 miles off shore on Lake Ontario.

An individual on the freighter "Thelusa Degagnes" was experiencing a severe allergic reaction and needed the medication immediately. CBP Border Patrol Pilot Kerry Kirch along with Niagara County Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Ron Steen located the vessel on the lake and successfully air dropped an "epinephrine pen" to crewmembers on deck. An "epinephrine pen" is a self-injecting pen that contains allergy reaction medication. The medication was immediately administered to the affected crewmember, which stabilized him until emergency marine units arrived to transport the individual to hospital.

"This rescue is a perfect example of how law enforcement works together," stated David Aguilar, Chief of the Border Patrol. "The Border Patrol is a multi-faceted entity within U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Our experience and training along the border puts us in a prime position to assist in life saving situations."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the protection of our nation's borders. CBP unified Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture Inspectors and the Border Patrol into one border agency for the United States.