San Diego Native with the U.S. Border Patrol to Accept Prestigious CBP Team Award

San Diego — Gerald Wilke, an Assistant Chief Patrol Agent (ACPA), with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector, has been designated to represent team members and receive the CBP Mission Integration Award on their behalf. This award recognizes an important and successful team effort that demonstrates a cross-organizational approach when developing and implementing a solution to address a significant problem. ACPA Wilke will be presented with the award by the CBP Commissioner at the annual CBP 2012 Awards Ceremony today, in Washington D.C.

ACPA Wilke was a team member comprised of high level managers from a diverse group of San Diego based federal agencies formed to collaboratively address the increasing use of the maritime environment by criminal organizations as a method to smuggle drugs and people into the country.

The maritime domain is a high-risk environment that poses significant danger of death and serious injury to human life. Maritime smuggling vessels are often overloaded and not seaworthy. Maritime smuggling generally occurs at hours of darkness and vessel operators rarely use required safety equipment. Maritime vessel operators often intently smuggle during inclement weather and hazardous sea state to evade detection. The team successfully created and implemented a consequence delivery strategy specific to the San Diego region called the Maritime Safety Initiative (MSI) designed to prevent this unsafe and illegal maritime smuggling activity.

Under MSI, all illegal maritime migrants are formally removed, informed of the consequences of re-entering through the maritime domain, and then transported outside of the California corridor to be repatriated to Mexico. Maritime migrants that choose to illegally re-enter through the San Diego maritime domain are referred for prosecution for felony re-entry after deportation. Maritime smugglers are also targeted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for prioritized criminal prosecution.

ACPA Wilke said, “Each team member greatly contributed to the success in the creation, implementation, and execution of the Maritime Safety Initiative with a primary focus to promote the preservation of life at sea and the enforcement of U.S. laws.” He added, “The Maritime Safety Initiative demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies work together and share resources to accomplish a common goal."

After the implementation of the MSI during Fiscal Year 2011, maritime smuggling trends have significantly decreased as witnessed by a reduction in maritime apprehensions from 867 apprehensions in fiscal year 2010 to 631 in fiscal year 2011.

ACPA Wilke will accept the CBP Mission Integration Award on behalf of team members Mark V. Dunbar with the U.S. Border Patrol, William P. Snyder and John E. Garzon with the Office of Field Operations, William Raymond, with the Office of Air and Marine, Michael P. Carney, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Michael Wheat, with the Assistant United States Attorney Office and Patricia L. Hill, with the United States Coast Guard.

Gerald, a San Diego native, served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division and Special Forces from 1980 through 1984 and later attended San Diego Mesa College. In 2010, he successfully completed a CBP Command Leadership Academy. Gerald has worked for the U.S. Border Patrol since 1986.

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 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.

Border Patrol Agent Receives Prestigious Award

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NAU Honors Sabri Dikman as Distinguished Citizen of the Year

Tucson, Ariz. – The “Dr. Cliff Harkins Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award” was presented to current Branch Chief of Operations for the Joint Field Command-Arizona during a ceremony at the NAU Homecoming football game held at the Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff on October 22.

Sabri Dikman was honored by the Northern Arizona University Alumni Association for his “exemplary service to community and strong leadership” for his tenure as deputy patrol agent in charge of the Nogales Station throughout 2010.

 “I am truly honored to be named the 2011 recipient of the Cliff Harkins Distinguished Citizen of the Year award” said Dikman “This honor brings the hard work of the men and women of the Border Patrol especially those assigned to the Tucson Sector, and more specifically the Nogales Station, into the public light.”

The Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award was established in 2002 to recognize individuals working for nonprofit organizations; governmental assignments at the municipal, county, state or federal level; or other outstanding service as a citizen.

In June of 2010, Dikman assumed the role of interim Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge of the Nogales Station, the largest and one of the busiest stations in the United States. His interim status was made permanent in October 2010. Two months later, on Dec. 7, he was promoted to Acting Patrol Agent in Charge of the Nogales Station; a position he held until July 2011.

Dikman was nominated for the award by R. Alan Booth, then Branch Chief of Operations for Joint Field Command-Arizona. He said Dikman led his men and women through a tragic and challenging time shortly after taking charge when Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was murdered.

Booth wrote in his recommendation that Dikman ensured every resource was effectively applied to facilitate the investigation and bring the responsible parties to justice. At the same time, Dikman ensured his other employees received emotional support. “The hallmark of his leadership was demonstrated in the selfless way he lead his team through the worst possible circumstances any law enforcement family can encounter,” said Booth.

Under Dikman’s leadership, according to Booth’s recommendation, the Nogales Station significantly reduced illicit cross border traffic by acquiring much-needed additional resources, personnel and key technology. Through his leadership and vision, these resources were deployed to maximize efficiency and create an optimum enforcement posture.

Booth said he has been Dikman’s colleague for several years and has come to know him on and off duty. “Aside from working 12-hour days to secure the Nation’s border,” said Booth, “he also engaged the Nogales community by regularly meeting with a community advisory board, comprised of key stakeholders and influential residents, to ensure the best possible relationship between the Border Patrol and local residents.”

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 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.

CBP Field Operations at Port of Brownsville Graduates Second Citizen's Academy Class

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Brownsville, TX – On October 6, Michael Freeman, Port Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Brownsville Port of Entry announced the graduation of a second class of the CBP Field Operations Brownsville Citizen’s Academy. 

The CBP Field Operations Brownsville Citizen’s Academy is part of a continuing aggressive plan by Port Director Freeman to foster a better working relationship with the communities in which officers live and work.

The eight-week course provides class participants with a better working knowledge and understanding of CBP.

The academy consists of a series of classroom discussions and several hands-on scenarios. The citizen’s academy is a field training that was held once a week on Wednesday evenings for eight weeks.

The BCA continues to create a better understanding, improves communication, and helps solidify a better partnership between the citizen academy participants and CBP through education. Brownsville Port of Entry Citizen’s Academy graduates have assisted us in identifying potential problems and solutions to border issues.

This second Brownsville Citizen’s Academy graduating class consisted of members from throughout the community. Represented in this academy class were members from the following organizations:

U.S. Consulate, Matamoros: Andrew Crosson, Jennifer Nilson and Jeremy Monks

Mexico Consulate, Brownsville: Raul Gomez and Efrain Hernandez Parra
Mexico Customs: Zaida Villarreal Snyder and Hector Eduardo Castillo
Brownsville & Rio Grande Railroad: Norma Torres and Eric Hinojosa
Union Pacific Railroad: Fernando GarzaZ
Port of Brownsville: Antonio Rodriguez

“Participants of our Citizen’s Academies will assist us in getting our message out into the communities. I applaud these academy participants for attending each session and getting a first-hand, hands-on, behind-the-scenes look into the CBP mission on the frontlines,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville port of entry.

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 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.

Del Rio Border Patrol Agents Honored for Actions

Del Rio, Texas -- Four agents of the Uvalde Border Patrol station were recently presented the Top Blue Eagle award in recognition of their hard work, dedication, leadership, and their exemplary law enforcement efforts during 2010. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan D. Bersin officiated at the CBP Annual Awards Ceremony at CBP headquarters in Washington, D.C. on March 25.

Top Blue Eagle Award recipients, from left: Field Operations Supervisor Jason Penney, Border Patrol Agent Jason Coy, Border Patrol Agent Na’eem Williams, and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Frank Curtis

Field Operations Supervisor Jason Penney, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Frank Curtis, Border Patrol Agent Jason Coy and Border Patrol Agent Na’eem Williams were presented with the 2010 Commissioner’s CBP Top Blue Eagle Award in recognition of their involvement of a vehicle stop performed last September near Batesville, Texas.

Record checks revealed that the driver had a previous arrest for first degree aggravated sexual assault of a child and was out on bond. Agents also discovered that the passenger was an unrelated minor female, and that they did not know each other.

Under the direction of the Border Crimes Prosecutor, Bethany Stephens, the Zavala County sheriff’s office took custody of the subjects for further investigation. These four agents were commended for their efforts, perseverance, and diligence. A sexual predator was removed from the streets.

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 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.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Field Office Employees Recognized at National Awards Ceremony

El Paso, Texas – A total of six employees working at El Paso Field Office locations were recently recognized for their achievements during the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC. They were among a group of distinguished employees who were recognized for their leadership and achievements during the March 25 ceremony.

In addressing the award recipients, their guests, and colleagues, CBP Commissioner Alan D. Bersin made clear his appreciation for the 60,000 CBP employees who work together as a team to protect each and every citizen. He said the day was one “in which we can come together and celebrate the actions and the distinctive roles we play in the protection of the American homeland.”

“We honor the past, but we prepare for the future," said Bersin. "Today, we salute the heroes who labor on the frontlines and those who work behind the scenes."

Those from El Paso who were recognized during the ceremony included four CBP Supervisors who work at the Ysleta commercial cargo facility. CBP officers Juan Aguilar, Benito Barron, Hector Herrera and Michael Yanke received the Trade and Facilitation Award for their work on the Ysleta Cargo Facility Diversion Project. The group was recognized for their outstanding ability to oversee and process significant increases in traffic without extending the cargo facility’s hours.

El Paso Field Office Supervisory Mission Support Specialist Christina Daly received the Excellence in Mission Support Award. Ms. Daly was instrumental in identifying and obtaining funds exceeding $10.7 million for construction and repair projects in the El Paso Field Office. Not only has Ms. Daly identified errors in estimates and cost bids on reimbursable work authorizations with the General Services Administration, but she also acquired funding from other governmental sources to support CBP’s construction and operational goals.

Chief CBP Officer and Public Affairs Liaison Ruben Jauregui received the Customer Service and Professionalism Award. Officer Jauregui is recognized for his exceptional dedication. Because of the ongoing issues in Mexico, the Port of El Paso has become a geographical point of interest for members of Congress, government agencies, and the news media. Mr. Jauregui showed outstanding initiative in preparing for port tours, public speaking engagements and radio and television interviews. He also has demonstrated a keen ability for working with senior officials on the federal, state, and local levels.

Prior to presenting the awards, all stood for a moment of silence to honor those brave employees who lost their lives in the line of duty. Their stories of self-sacrifice serve as a chief example of the risks that each employee takes in order to protect the homeland.

Each of the different achievements honored exemplified the complexity of the agency's mission, as well as the fact that integrity is a 24/7 job that is instilled in each and every member of CBP. The stories told of those who received awards reflected the recipients' selflessness and valor. Their actions saved the lives of thousands and protected citizens from potential harm.

Throughout the ceremony, audience members rose to honor the heroes that stood before them. Whether the stories reflected heroism and bravery or simple dedication to the task at hand, it was clear that their work was valued by all.

“This ceremony is a reaffirmation of who we are,” said Bersin.

In closing, Linda Gray of the Office of Human Resources Management delighted the audience with a soulful rendition of ‘America the Beautiful.’ Gray's voice and this song served to remind everyone of the grandeur of America and the importance of CBP’s mission to protect the people who make the nation a source of inspiration to the world.

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 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.