see also: in October 2007 News Releases:   Cocaine Smuggler Tries To Trick El Paso CBP Officers by Hiding Drugs in Car Body   Border Patrol Agents in Texas Seize Marijuana Worth $1 Million Hidden Under Watermelons   Fingerprint Check Allows Border Patrol to Arrest Murder Suspect   Border Patrol Texas Task Force Seizes 500 Pounds of Marijuana   CBP Officers at Mail Facility Find Marijuana in Cement Statues, Opium   Tecate, Calif. Cargo Processing Port to Resume Operations Wednesday Morning   CBP at Newark Airport Discovers Man with Fraudulent Documents, False Claim to U.S. Citizenship ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Naco, Ariz. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who helped saved the life of a 69-year-old woman at the Naco, Ariz. port of entry in July were honored today by both CBP and the woman whose life they saved.

At a little before midnight on July 13, CBP officers at the Naco port of entry were screening people coming into the country from Mexico when they were approached by Ms. Bertha Durazo, who was requested help for her mother, Maria de los Angeles Urrea-Vasquez, who was in the vehicle with her.

Officers Raimundo Robles and Alan Contreras noticed that Ms. Urrea-Vasquez was not breathing and did not have a heartbeat, so immediately climbed into the vehicle and began performing CPR on her while other officers called 911. Officer Robles performed chest compressions while Officer Contreras performed rescue breathing in the hopes of saving her life.

At one point, the officers felt Ms. Urrea-Vasquez’ pulse start, but it quickly stopped again. The officers continued with CPR until additional help from the Naco Volunteer Firefighters and Bisbee Ambulance arrived, approximately eight minutes later. As a result of their efforts, when Ms. Urrea-Vasquez left in the ambulance, she had a heartbeat and was breathing with the help of a ventilator.

During the ceremony honoring the officers today, Ms. Urrea-Vasquez and her family were able to meet with the officers and express their heartfelt gratitude and presented the officers with plaques honoring their efforts.

The officers were also awarded the Meritorious Service Award for Valor, the highest award given to CBP officers, meant for those who demonstrate their unhesitating willingness to help others in distress, often at their own risk. The award was presented by David P. Higgerson, director of field operations in Arizona.

“This is an example of the professionalism and dedication our officers demonstrate every day at ports of entry,” Higgerson said. ”We are very proud of Officer Robles and Officer Contreras for the life-saving actions they performed without a second thought.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the 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.