“Jacko” was nominated for this program from the over 1,200 detector dog teams at CBP. “Jacko,” an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, and his handler, Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Clay Thomas are stationed at CBP’s Marfa Border Patrol Sector, Sierra Blanca Station, Sierra Blanca, Texas. Like “Crazy Joe” and “Trouble,” “Jacko” received honors in a “Black Collar Salute” and had his paw prints enshrined in the “Paws” walk of fame.

“Every one of our CBP detector dogs deserve recognition for the work they do. Our dogs are on the front lines protecting our country against terrorists and terrorist weapons. CBP Border Patrol detector dogs are finding concealed illegal aliens and narcotics every day. ‘Jacko’ is a canine hero; however, all of CBP's “4-Legged” friends are heroes and I am proud of everyone of them,” said Commissioner Bonner. “CBP continues as the worlds' premier canine enforcement program and will continue to deter those who would try to do our nation harm.”

During “Jacko’s” six-year career, he has alerted to and possibly saved the lives of over 218 concealed humans. “Jacko” has also discovered over 33,700 pounds of marijuana, 816 pounds of cocaine, 10 pounds of heroin, 36,089 doses and 523 pounds of other controlled substances, and is responsible for the seizure of $444,000 in drug contaminated currency.

“ ‘Jacko’ has been the best partner ever. He is one of the more critical tools a Border Patrol Agent uses to detect and stop potential terrorists and illegal immigrants from entering our country,” Border Patrol Agent Thomas stated. “Many of these individuals are concealed in confined spaces, at the peril of their own lives. ‘Jacko’s’ nose has discovered tons of illegal drugs. It’s sobering to think about the impact this one dog has had in furthering the mission of the CBP Border Patrol.”

“CBP’s detector dog teams are a vital asset in meeting the challenge to detect and intercept threats to the American public,” said National Border Patrol Chief David V. Aguilar, Office of Border Patrol. “ ‘Jacko’ is a winner all the way around.”

At U.S. borders and checkpoints, CBP canines can screen a vehicle in seconds and perform a thorough exam in minutes. Even a cursory search by a CBP Officer would require at least 20 minutes. These dogs are also able to check packages in a fraction of the time needed by mail examiners – saving time, money, and people. CBP Canine Enforcement Officers and Border Patrol Agents use these specially trained detector dogs to combat terrorist threats at our nation’s borders, interior checkpoints, land ports, seaports, international airports, and international mail facilities, as well as to interdict illegal immigrants and contraband.

“Jacko” was born on December 20, 1996, and enjoys playing with his favorite toy, a piece of PVC pipe.

For more information on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canine Enforcement Program, visit our web site at www.cbp.gov, click on the border security block located at the top, and then on canines.

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.