LAREDO, Texas – On February 16, 2018, the Laredo Sector Border Patrol conducted a Special Recognition Ceremony honoring over 60 Border Patrol agents and professional staff at Laredo Community College. Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens presented the honorees with badges, certificates and prestigious awards. Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Consul General de Mexico Carolina Zaragoza-Flores, representatives from Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Henry Cuellar’s Office, City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz, Laredo Community College President Dr. Ricardo Solis, leadership from the Office of Field Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Laredo Police Department.
The Special Recognition Ceremony recognized Border Patrol Agents who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to preserve life and assist others while securing the border and keeping our communities safe, who also provided unwavering support and assistance to CBP stakeholders by representing the agency with distinction, as well as Border Patrol Agents and Professional Staff who have achieved a significant milestone in their career with over 30 years of service. Border Patrol Agents and Professional Staff were also recognized for their promotion as a result of their hard work and dedication to duty.
Some of the awards presented included the Purple Cross Award, the Border Patrol’s highest recognition for agents wounded in the line of duty. This year, Border Patrol Agent Keith Platt from the Hebbronville Station received the award for his perseverance and extraordinary courage he displayed in a highly dangerous and life-threatening situation. Agent Platt sustained permanent injuries after he was assaulted by an illegal alien while attempting to arrest a group of five subjects in a ranch.
Border Patrol Agents Anthony Anderson and Remigio Guerra III from the Laredo South Station were the recipients of the Newton-Azrak Award. Agents Anderson and Guerra received this award for their actions that resulted in the rescue of four illegal aliens from the Rio Grande River. Agent Anderson risked his life by jumping into the river and pulling the subjects onto dry land with the assistance of Agent Guerra. The Newton-Azrak Award is named after Patrol Inspectors Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak who were killed in the line of duty after they were ambushed, overtaken, kidnapped and executed by drug smugglers. The death of these two heroes prompted the inception of the Newton-Azrak Award.
Additionally, Agents Anderson and Guerra were presented with a United States Flag that was flown at the Nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Senator Ted Cruz.
The ceremony included the presentation of colors by the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Honor Guard led by the CBP Pipes and Drum Unit, the presentations of badges and certificates, a special message from Senator Ted Cruz and concluded with Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens providing closing remarks.