see also: in August 2003:   CBP Border Patrol Agents Utilize Mobile X-Ray Technology   Marfa Sector Nabs Two Marijuana Loads   Marfa Sector Nabs Two Marijuana Loads (pdf - 87 KB.)   CBP Border Patrol Agents Utilize Mobile X-Ray Technology (pdf - 126 KB.)   Border Patrol Agents Arrest Homicide Suspect   BORDER PATROL AGENTS ARREST HOMICIDE SUSPECT (pdf - 98 KB.)   Fact Sheet: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Canine Enforcement Program ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

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Washington, D.C. - A rags to riches story - acquired from a shelter in Georgia, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) nominee "Crazy Joe," a narcotics detector dog, was the top-voted U.S. service dog in the "Paws to Recognize" tribute to working dogs.

Photo Credit: Bob Mehr, Photovision

The announcement came this morning on the Today Show, which showcased "Crazy Joe" and his handler Canine Enforcement Officer Cindy Grob, and his illustrious five-year career. While at John F. Kennedy Airport alone, "Crazy Joe" has sniffed out $13 million worth of illegal drugs. "Crazy Joe works with such enthusiasm and perseverance that together we are a very effective team. Working together we are trying to make a difference. On his behalf, I want to thank the many people who have recognized both him and his work," she stated.

"Crazy Joe," along with international canine heroes, will receive a medal on Thursday, August 21, during the national ceremony held at the Humane Society of the United States in Washington D.C. As one of the international Canine World Heroes, "Crazy Joe" will have his paw prints enshrined in cement creating a Canine World Heroes Walk of Fame.

"Paws to Recognize" is an international program that recognizes the important contributions of over 15,000 professional service dogs. During his five-year career, "Crazy Joe," a yellow Labrador Retriever, was selected to epitomize the CBP dog workforce because of his outstanding narcotics seizures and his community service educating children to just say no to drugs.

	Photo Credit: Bob Mehr, Photovision

"Customs and Border Protection has united the working dogs of Customs, Immigration, Agriculture, and Border Patrol in a single force to guard our nation's borders," said Robert C. Bonner, Commissioner of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "'Crazy Joe' is a canine hero, just as all of the dogs of CBP are everyday heroes working to make our country a better and safer place to live."

Other CBP handlers participating in the ceremony as the Canine Honor Guard are:

• Senior Patrol Agent Joshua Carter and his dog "Bubba," McAllen, Texas with the Border Patrol
• Inspector Oscar Montano with his dog "Boris" from legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service, stationed at El Paso, Texas
• Canine Officer Yen Crawley with her dog "Clay" from legacy U.S. Department of Agriculture, stationed in Miami.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a new agency within the Department of Homeland Security that unifies Customs, Immigration and Agriculture inspectors and the Border Patrol. For more information, visit the Customs and Border Protection Web site at www.cpb.gov.