ALPINE, Texas – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO) crew supporting the Brewster County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in pursuit of drug smuggling suspects were cast into a rescue role Thursday.
AMO dispatched an Alpine Air Unit AS350 helicopter crew after the BCSO asked for help in tracking a group that were spotted carrying backpacks consistent with marijuana smuggling. During the support mission, the AMO crew learned that a BCSO deputy appeared to be suffering from heat exhaustion and was in distress requiring immediate medical assistance.
“Our agents are the absolute best at what they do,” said William Gann, Acting Director, Air and Marine Operations, El Paso Air Branch. “Many of our aircrew members are also trained EMTs. Given the highly dynamic environment in which they operate, their ability to quickly transition from a law enforcement mission to a rescue mission is key to our operational success and to that of our partners.”
The AMO aircraft crew landed, assessed the deputy, and transported him to the Brewster County Medical Center in Alpine for medical attention. The deputy was treated and released and is back at work.
The AMO crew returned and assisted BCSO deputies in the apprehension of four subjects and approximately 200 pounds of marijuana. The case remains under investigation.