HARLINGEN, Texas – The Harlingen Border Patrol Station Border Community Liaison (BCL) Program hosted its first Family Border Patrol Academy graduation.

On August 1st, Harlingen’s BCL Program held a graduation ceremony for the 11 family members of current and former Border Patrol Agents (BPA) who successfully completed the Family Academy. The seven-week academy incorporated a range of activities and trainings to include a quick line tour of the Harlingen Area of Responsibility, Use of Force demonstrations, firearms familiarization, basic first aid and presentations by the Special Operations Detachment and the All-Terrain Vehicle unit. The academy also included a tour of the Centralized Processing Center lead by Acting Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge, Oscar Escamilla.

Each family member took time out of their summer to participate in the academy and were able to leave with a better understanding of what agents go through on a daily basis. Harlingen Station’s Patrol Agent in Charge, Henry Leo, addressed the graduates and thanked them for their hard work throughout the academy. The Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rodolfo Karisch also congratulated the participants on their achievement.

If you would like to request information on Border Community Liaison programs, please contact the Border Patrol station nearest you, or the Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Community Liaison Office at 956.289.5686.  

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

FALFURRIAS, Texas — From July 29th to July 31st, the Fort Brown Station, in collaboration with Brownsville Station and Office of Field Operation  Explorer Programs hosted the Third Annual S.W.A.T. Camp near Falfurrias, Texas.

During the S.W.A.T. Camp, Explorers from the integrated agencies were able to have an opportunity to train in a unique environment with agents and officers to assist. The Explorers were able to receive training in defense tactics, bounding, arrest techniques, and other law enforcement skills. The Explorers were also able to complete an obstacle (confidence) course, a team building course and on their final day rock climbing and rappel off a tower.

Despite being from different post and agencies, the Explorers found that bonding with one another was their favorite part from the experience. A special thanks to the Louse & Allen Foundation for providing the training facility.

MCALLEN, Texas – On August 6, 2019, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Joseph Quatarone presented Operation Big Rig to students taking part of a Commercial Driving License class at the South Texas College -Technology Campus.

Operation Big Rig is a call to action for everyone -- the media, the community, neighbors, family, and friends -- to call 9-1-1 if they see or are aware of smuggling or suspicious activity of any kind. Border Community Liaison Unit Agents routinely speak to local trucking schools to highlight the perils and consequences of human smuggling to students in the process of beginning their trucking careers.   

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

ST THOMAS, Virgin Islands - US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service regarding the applicable laws that will allow CBP Officers to assist with sex offender compliance, including monitoring and reporting of trans-national sex offenders. 

The US Marshalls Service’s Sex Offender Investigations Branch, in Florida, provided CBP officers with the necessary basis in federal law, which mandate specific reporting requirements of known sex offenders. 

"The collaboration of CBP and other Law Enforcement entities exemplifies the important role CBP plays in tracking sex offenders found traveling without registering in the Territory,” indicated Todd Bellew, Area Port Director for the Virgin Islands.  “Through these efforts, the Office of Field Operations will better equip our workforce with the appropriate information necessary for preventing sex offenders from further circumventing our nation's laws."

Two of the laws cited were the Adam Walsh Act and International Megan’s Law (IML).  The Adam Walsh Act, enacted in July 2006 organizes sex offenders into three tiers according to the crime committed, and mandates that Tier 3 offenders (the most serious tier) update their whereabouts every three months with lifetime registration requirements. 

Tier 2 offenders must update their whereabouts every six months with 25 years of registration, and Tier 1 offenders must update their whereabouts every year with 15 years of registration.  Failure to register and update information is a felony under the law. 

Enacted in February 2016, International Megan’s Law requires that all registered sex offenders (RSO) of the United States and its territories report any international travel twenty-one (21) days prior to departure. 

The law seeks to protect children and others from sexual abuse and exploitation, including sex trafficking and sex tourism, by providing advance notice of international travel by registered sex offenders to the government of the affected nation(s).  Enforcement of this law prevents child exploitation and other sexual crimes.  Those sex offenders found to be non-compliant are investigated and prosecuted.

CBP’s participation in this event highlights the agency’s continuous efforts to expand its enforcement posture and to prevent crimes.

Follow us on Twitter @CBPCaribbean

LAREDO, Texas– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) CBP employees and the Explorer Post 2304 recently participated in a back to school donation drive for students from the Santa Teresita community.

On August 8, CBP employees from the Laredo Port of Entry coordinated a school supply drive in an effort to collect school supplies for less fortunate members of the community. The CBP family was successful as they filled over eight bins full of school supplies such as pens, pencils, construction paper and crayons in various colors.

“Our small community looks forward to these events and is grateful, that CBP lends a helping hand,” said Dina Garcia, Santa Teresita Director. “The donations will greatly help these young children start a new school year on the right track.”

The Santa Teresita community is located approximately 20 miles outside of Laredo, Texas. The Santa Teresita Community Center hosts two significant drives, which benefits approximately 150 children. The school supply drive was a success to the students of the Santa Teresita community as other local and state agencies to include local businesses donated to the drive and promoted a healthy lifestyle.

“It is truly an honor to be a part of the Explorer Post and have the ability to assist those less fortunate," said Mathew Allen Martinez, Post 2304 Explorer. “This is my first time participating in an event of this kind and it was truly humbling to see how much joy the donations brought to the students of their school.”

DEL RIO, Texas – Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz invited several local ranch owners and law enforcement officials from the Comstock, Del Rio, Brackettville and Rocksprings areas to a meeting at the Del Rio Sector Border Patrol Headquarters, Aug. 27.

Close to 90 people attended the meeting, where Chief Ortiz welcomed them and expressed thanks for the continued support from land owners and law enforcement officials in the Del Rio area. “We cannot do this alone,” said Chief Ortiz. “Only through a unity of effort, which involves the entire community working together, can we achieve true control of our border area.”

Chief Ortiz gave statistical updates on the Del Rio Sector’s activity along the border, and provided insight into the sector’s plans to improve relationships with ranchers. In part, this involves the enhancement of an already successful Ranch Liaison Program, in which specially assigned agents establish and maintain regular contact with rural residents and landowners, on whose land Border Patrol agents must patrol every day. “Building strong relationships with you is extremely important,” said Chief Ortiz. “You all are our eyes and ears out there, so please call us, call your station’s representatives whenever you see anything, and we will get our people out there.”

Chief Ortiz answered many questions from the group, ranging from the ongoing humanitarian crisis to concerns over the disruption of hunting activities. Station leadership and Ranch Liaison agents from the Rocksprings, Comstock, Brackettville and Del Rio stations were present and assisted in answering questions. They also made themselves available for one-on-one discussions after the presentation.

Earlier in August, Chief Ortiz held a similar meeting with ranchers from the Eagle Pass area.

TUCSON, Ariz.– The Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station is taking applications by phone now through September 27 for the Border Patrol Citizens Academy in Bisbee, Arizona.

Open to the public, the academy will be conducted Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to-8:30 p.m., at the Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station 2136 South Naco Highway, Bisbee, Arizona 85603, in Bisbee, October 15 through November 26, 2019.

Citizens will be asked for their personally identifiable information to include their social security number, driver’s license, and other details by a law enforcement professional when they apply. Those selected to attend will be notified by phone. Twelve seats are available. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and meet application requirements.

The Citizens Academy provides community members an in-depth look into the important border security mission and various, related areas of law enforcement. Through classes, discussions, scenarios and demonstrations, participants gain a greater understanding of U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations and the methods agents utilize in their enforcement duties. Attendees receive an overview of the laws agents must know prior to graduating from the Border Patrol Academy, and laws agents enforce.

To apply or get more information, contact Border Patrol Supervisor Sean Ludden at (520) 307-0892.

IMPERIAL, Calif. – Students from the Central Union High School (CUHS) Legal Services and Law Academy program participated in a tour of the El Centro Border Patrol station that also included a tour of the border given by agents assigned to the Public Affairs Office.

The visits took place over three days from September 4-6, where approximately 85 sophomores received an El Centro Sector profile presentation that provided students with an insight on a career in Border Patrol.  The presentation also included videos of how agents operate within the sector’s area of responsibility that consist of 70 miles along the United States and Mexico border. 

Shortly thereafter, the students were taken to the border and were given “sign cutting” demonstrations to understand how agents use tracking skills as part of their day-to-day duties. The students were also exposed to the different types of terrain patrolled by agents and how border infrastructure and technology play a role in securing our nations border.

“We are very thankful for the professional relationship we have with the Border Patrol,” said CUHS Law Academy Instructor Robert Smith.  “The information and tours provided to our students contributes greatly to their interests in pursuing a path towards a career in law enforcement."

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Explorer Post 3604 is holding an open house at the International Falls Port of Entry October 13, 2019 beginning at 4:00 p.m. 

The Explorer program is a partnership between Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life and CBP.  The purpose of this program is for young men and women to gain real world experience to help prepare for a career with law enforcement, including CBP.

Participants will work closely with officers from CBP and other law enforcement agencies to learn about law enforcement careers and techniques.  Activities will focus on giving practical experience in areas such as interview skills, search and arrest procedures, vehicle searches, and various inspection techniques.  Explorers will learn and practice how to use law enforcement tools including handcuffs, weapons, fingerprinting, and much more.

The Explorer Program is open to students who have completed the 8th grade and are between 14 to 21 years old.  The open house will be held at the International Falls Port of Entry located at 2 Second Avenue, International Falls, Minnesota.  All potential members and interested parents or guardians are encouraged to attend. 

For more information about the local program please contact CBP at 218-283-2541 or visit Explorer Program.

PORT HURON, Mich.  – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, Port Huron hosted the 5th Annual CBP Blue Water Bridge Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 26, 2019.  Despite the poor weather conditions, thousands of people converged under the Blue Water Bridge to take part in the event.  For more than two hours, local children and their families visited each trunk of a first responder to receive their treats.  Even the rain couldn’t deter the families from one of the area’s favorite events of the season. 

CBP Officers and Border Patrol Agents from the Marysville Station were joined by the St Clair County Sheriff’s Department, Port Huron Police Department, Port Huron Fire Department, Fort Gratiot Twp. Fire Department, Memphis Police Department, and Tri-hospital EMS in what has become one of the largest Trunk or Treat events in the Blue Water Area!

“We are honored to provide a safe and secure event for children and their families.  This is our community too and we are extremely proud of all our partners that participated to make this the best Trunk or Treat yet.” said Area Port Director Michael Fox.

“Even with gloomy weather conditions, it was awesome seeing smiles on the faces of the children and law enforcement/public safety personnel who all came together to support our community.  What a fun event!” stated Port Huron Police Captain Marcy Kuehn.

A special thanks goes to all those who personally donated time and candy for the event and a special thank you to Oldtimecandy.com who donated over 400 pounds of candy for the event. 

EDINBURG, Texas –U.S. Border Patrol agents from Rio Grande Valley Sector stepped up, by collecting and distributing hundreds of pounds of food.

The McAllen Border Patrol station partnered with Hidalgo Early College High School National Honor Society students for a Fill-A-Boat food drive. Agents and students positively interacted with the public by collecting hundreds of pounds of food. The public’s generous donations filled the boat, and three trucks full of goods. The donations will be given out to the residents of the city of Hidalgo.

The Falfurrias Border Patrol Station hosted a turkey drive, and delivered the donated turkeys to the First Baptist Church of Falfurrias, Texas. The turkeys will be bundled with the additional sides to make a complete Thanksgiving meal. Caseworkers from Child Protective Services will pick up the meals and deliver them to families in the community. 

The Kingsville Border Patrol Station hosted a Thanksgiving food drive. Border Patrol agents and members of the community collected the donated canned goods and non-perishables. The donations were then given to the local food pantry at the First Baptist Church in Kingsville, Texas. The First Baptist Church distributed the more than 200 turkeys and food baskets to deserving families within the community.

“We’re passionate about giving back to our communities and have donated to the cause for years now. Our Border Patrol agents hope to show the public that not only do they protect and serve, but they are always ready to help those in need,” said Special Operations Supervisor Victor Cardenas.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, U.S. Border Patrol agents collaborated with Mexican Federal Police Force officers working a binational operation near Nogales.

Tucson Sector’s Foreign Operations Branch and Special Operations Detachment provided surveillance from the U.S. side of the border. This assistance helped Mexican authorities assigned to the Border Violence Prevention Protocol Office disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations operating on both sides of the international boundary.

Authorities targeted human and narcotics smugglers operating outside of Nogales, Sonora. The four-day operation concluded Friday, November 29.

“Binational collaboration is crucial to ensuring the safety of communities on both sides of the border,” said Roy Villareal, Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent. “The disruption of endeavors by dangerous criminal organizations who profit from the misery of others will always be one of Tucson Sector’s goals.”

TCOs pose a threat to public safety and security along the border. They traffic narcotics, humans, weapons, ammunition, and currency and attempt to evade detection and arrest by each country’s respective law enforcement agencies. Combating the common TCO threat requires successful, binational coordination between U.S. Border Patrol and Mexico’s Federal Police Force.

For more details regarding this news release, contact the Tucson Sector Public Affairs Office at tca-pao@cbp.dhs.gov or by phone at 520-748-3210. Tucson Sector is also LiveU capable. Contact us to schedule an interview.

UVALDE, Texas– Uvalde Border Patrol Station, along with their local law enforcement partners hosted a Citizens Academy, graduating eight, Dec. 3.

 “The Citizens Academy gives our fellow community members an opportunity to have positive personal interaction with our agents and local law enforcement officials,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “On behalf of the men and women of Del Rio Sector, I want to thank everyone who attended, and our law enforcement partners for their effort and dedication to making this event a success.”

Local citizens in the Uvalde area participated in an eight-week course, hosted every Tuesday. Students participated in interactive lessons including signcutting, K-9 demonstrations and field operations. This year local law enforcement including Texas Department of Public Safety, Uvalde Police Department, and the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office instructed courses such as first aid, citizen interaction, and evidence collection. Other sessions included Del Rio Sector’s BORTAC (Border Patrol Tactical Unit) and BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue) teams demonstrating the specialized equipment they use.

Activities such as these help promote the relationship between agents and other members of our communities. Citizens Academies are held several times a year throughout Del Rio Sector. Members of the public, over the age of 21, are encouraged to apply when academies are announced.

EDINBURG, Texas – The holidays got a little bit brighter for the children in the Rio Grande Valley as Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Border Community Liaison (BCL) Unit coordinated with many local schools and nonprofit organizations to deliver over 1500 hundred toys to children.

RGV Sector partnered with the Salvation Army to sponsor an “Angel Tree” filled with names of children in Hidalgo County who may not otherwise receive gifts due to their family’s financial situation. Over 50 children received items such as coats, scooters, bicycles, dolls to name a few.

The Kingsville BCL Unit participated in the 18th Annual Driscoll Children’s Hospital Toy Drive where they helped Santa distribute the gifts to the children. This year, all the children had to do was look outside their hospital window to see Santa making a special arrival in the Air and Marine Operation’s helicopter.

The McAllen and Weslaco Border Patrol Stations collaborated with the English Second Language Club from the Hidalgo Early College High School and Air and Marine Operations to deliver gifts to students at Hidalgo Park Elementary. “Green Santa” made his appearance and children happily posed with him for pictures.

The Falfurrias BCL Unit partnered with Child Protective Services to provide Christmas Toys for 55 children in Brooks County, currently in the CPS system. CPS caseworkers took the children to the Falfurrias Station where they met Green Santa and enjoyed cookies and refreshments.

The Weslaco Border Patrol Station held its annual tradition of donating gifts to children in Head Start Programs. The station handed out 140 gifts to the North Bridge Head Start Program in Weslaco and 140 gifts to the Donna One Head Start Program.

The Brownsville BCL Unit celebrated the holidays with 24 students from Los Fresnos United. Students played games, had pizza dinner, and received 48 gifts donated by the Brownsville Station.

Other Station BCL units participated in special events of giving back to the community such as parades and toy drives.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV and @USBPChiefRGV

TUCSON, Ariz.– As Valentine’s Day rapidly approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s officers and agriculture specialists will be busy with travelers arriving at Arizona ports of entry. Groceries, plants, medications, liquor, pets and personal purchases made in Mexico need to be declared when returning to the United States.

CBP recommends to individuals bringing flower arrangements from Mexico to be aware of prohibited flowers and floral fillers that are not allowed into the United States. Some of the prohibited cut flowers seen in this area are chrysanthemums, mock orange, choysia (ornamental filler), cedar, and juniper.

If found, agriculture specialists will have to remove the stems from the flower arrangement. Individuals purchasing floral arrangements in Mexico for import to the U.S. should advise their florist so prohibited plant species are not used in the arrangement.

CBP agriculture specialists are the front line in the fight against the introduction of harmful insects and diseases into the United States. CBP agriculture specialists performing agriculture exams at Arizona ports recorded a total of 41,831quarantine material interceptions and 3,921pest interceptions during fiscal year 2019.  They also issued 370 violations to passengers and crew members, along with 2,193 treatments performed.

For other items such as fresh produce, meats, personal purchases, or gifts, the public will need to declare at the time of inspection to expedite travel and avoid receiving a civil penalty or seizure of the item. Items such as plants and soil are prohibited. Penalties for failure to declare or smuggling can be issued if an individual is trying to import a prohibited product.

Prohibited agriculture items typically are not allowed to enter the U.S. from foreign countries because they are known to harbor harmful pests and disease. Agriculture specialists ensure that plant and animal pests and diseases are detected and stopped from being introduced into the United States where they could cause harm.

More travel information can be found at www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/know-before-you-visit

Video of CBP floral inspections can be found at the following links:

CBP Agriculture Specialist Officers Inspect Flowers for Harmful Bugs and Pests at the Port of Miami. www.dvidshub.net/video/390852/cbp-flower-inspection-b-roll

CBP Agriculture Specialists inspect imported flowers for foreign diseases and pests. B-roll plus soundbites. www.dvidshub.net/video/320648/cbp-agriculture-specialists-inspect-imported-flowers#.VrTatXmFOUk

LAREDO, Texas– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, Laredo Port of Entry officials would like to advise the traveling public that all vehicular traffic at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge will be temporarily halted the morning of Feb. 22 in order to host the International Bridge Ceremony (also known as the Abrazo Ceremony) and to adjust travel plans accordingly or use alternate bridges during the affected period.

“Each year vehicular traffic is temporarily suspended at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge for a few hours in order to host the Abrazo Ceremony,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.  “We strongly urge the traveling public to plan ahead, cross earlier or later and also to advise that Gateway to the Americas Bridge will remain open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic during that period to avoid unnecessary delays.”

Southbound and northbound traffic at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge will begin to shut down starting at 5 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22 in order to allow for the construction of the stage for the International Bridge Ceremony. It is anticipated that traffic will resume at the conclusion of the International Bridge ceremony at approximately 9 a.m.

To avoid excessive delays, the traveling public may consider utilizing Gateway to the Americas Bridge for pedestrian and vehicular traffic or Colombia-Solidarity Bridge for vehicular traffic during that period.

For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link. 

LAREDO, Texas - La Oficina de Operaciones Aduaneras de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de EE. UU. (CBP), los funcionarios del Puerto de Entrada de Laredo desean informar al público viajero que todo el tráfico de vehículos en el Puente Juárez-Lincoln se detendrá temporalmente la mañana del 22 de febrero para organizar la Ceremonia del Puente Internacional (también conocida como la Ceremonia del Abrazo) y ajustar los planes de viaje en consecuencia o usar puentes alternativos durante el período afectado.

"Cada año, el tráfico de vehículos se suspende temporalmente en el Puente Juárez-Lincoln durante unas horas para organizar la Ceremonia del Abrazo," dijo el Director del Puerto Alberto Flores, Puerto de Entrada de Laredo. "Recomendamos encarecidamente al público que viaja que planifique con anticipación, cruce más temprano o más tarde y que avise que el Puente Puerta a las Américas permanecerá abierto al tráfico de vehículos y peatones durante ese período para evitar demoras innecesarias."

El tráfico en dirección sur y norte en el Puente Juárez-Lincoln comenzará a cerrarse a partir de las 5 a.m.del sábado 22 de febrero para permitir la construcción del escenario para la Ceremonia del Puente Internacional. Se anticipa que el tráfico se reanudará al finalizar la ceremonia del Puente Internacional aproximadamente a las 9 a.m.

Para evitar demoras excesivas, el público viajero puede considerar utilizar el Puente Puerta a las Américas para el tráfico de peatones y vehículos o el Puente de Colombia-Solidaridad para el tráfico de vehículos durante ese período.

Para mas información sobre CBP por favor haz click en el siguiente link. 

INDIANAPOLIS - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Steward Speakers Inc. in conjunction with Olivet Missionary Baptist Church., will host a National African American History Celebration featuring Rickey Smiley, an American stand-up comedian, television host, actor, author, and radio personality.  This annual, youth-oriented, community outreach event will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, 4141 North High School Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46254. This program will also include special guest:  Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Robert Janson, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of Facilities and Asset Management, Office of Enterprise Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Darlene Sedwick, Acting Director of Diversity and EEO, Privacy and Diversity Office, Office of the Commissioner U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Smiley joined forces with Radio One owned television network, TV One as the star, executive producer and namesake of his own top rated docuseries, “Rickey Smiley For Real.” In its fifth season now, the amusing series features the balancing act of a working radio host, comedian, business Mogul, and philanthropist with the joys and pains of being a single father of four.  Smiley hails from Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from Woodlawn High School.  Smiley attended Tuskegee University for a brief period of time and eventually, received a bachelor’s degree in English in 1992 from Alabama State University.  In his off-stage life, Smiley is dedicated to his children and empowering and enriching the communities in which he serves daily. This performer has a heart of gold reflected in his burning commitment and ongoing desire to champion various causes through The Rickey Smiley Foundation.

“At CBP we recognize our responsibility to serve the community that we are in.  It is through these partnerships and community programs, that we influence and impact the youth of our future by exposing them to notable role models,” said Darlene M. Sedwick, Acting Director, Diversity and EEO Division, CBP Privacy and Diversity Office. “For 29 years, we have partnered with Steward Speakers Inc., and 13 years with the Olivet Missionary Baptist Church with a primary goal of uplifting, enlightening and empowering our youth. This year, we will continue on that path.”

 The CBP Privacy and Diversity Office provides EEO, diversity and inclusion, and civil rights/civil liberties services to almost 60,000 CBP employees and to the hundreds of millions of travelers and members of the trade and traveling community that CBP interacts with in the performance of our homeland security mission.  

CLEVELAND–U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Port Clinton teamed up with the Ottawa County Senior Resources (OCSR) department, to assist in meal distribution, delivering hot meals to seniors in the community.

There are three CBP officers assisting the OCSR: Brian Potts, Stephanie Yeager and James Wray. Until social distancing requirements are dropped, these officers plan to assist the county passing out 15 to 35 meals a day until OCSR can return to a sit-down meal service or until Port Clinton’s workload prevents them from assisting. Currently these officers have passed out more than 250 meals. “One of CBPs core values is “Service to Country”, and in a time of crisis like we are dealing with now, I believe we should embrace that value and serve the people of our country in any way we can,” said CBP Officer Brian Potts.

The OCSR is a division of the county government but they also receive state and federal funding to provide care for the senior citizens in the county. To be eligible for a meal, individuals had to register with the department in advance. Their name was then placed on a list and a meal was prepared for them.

Once registered, the recipients would drive their vehicle to a predetermined site. Each person provided their name and verified that their names were on the approved list. If their name was listed, a meal was retrieved from a cooler from the OCSR office. All meals include a hot item, a cold item such as fruit or gelatin, dessert and a carton of milk. These meals are available to any senior citizen free of charge, and dollar donations are always welcomed.  

Initially, there were other volunteers who helped distribute the meals, but those volunteers all had to step back due to their age and other conditions that make them vulnerable to COVID-19. At the time, the OCSR didn’t have anyone else available to distribute meals to the seniors of the community, and expected to have as many as 50 seniors receiving meals per day through this service.

CBP officers in Port Clinton offered their support for the program. The officers have been volunteering for the past three weeks distributing meals every weekday ensuring these meals reach those in need. “There were a lot of smiles and words of gratitude from the meal recipients,” said Potts. “Two of the women told me that without this service they would not have a hot meal to eat. A couple others explained that they are afraid to go to the grocery store right now and that they are making this meal last them for lunch and dinner.”

The Senior Resources department provided PPE, which included latex gloves, a face mask, a hair net and hand sanitizer, to the officers to use while distributing meals.