DETROIT— Border Patrol agent assigned to the Gibraltar Station rescues elderly woman who fell into freezing cold shallow water at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area-Boat Launch.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. Thursday, February 25, when a Border Patrol agent on patrol at the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area-Boat Launch noticed an older female stumble into freezing cold water due to high winds. The Agent immediately ran over to the female and entered the freezing water where he was able to carry the woman to safety. The female suffered severe injuries to her head and face as a result of the fall. The Agent then placed her in a warm vehicle and moved to render aid to an older gentleman who attempted to exit his vehicle and also fell on the boat ramp due to high winds.
After securing the gentleman back into the vehicle, the Agent began rendering first aid to the woman’s face and head while a bystander at the boat ramp called 911 for additional help.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of our Agent who without hesitation risked his safety to enter the freezing water and saved the life of a complete stranger,” said Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison. “We remain committed to the protection of our country and communities in which we live and serve.”
Soon thereafter, the Brownstown Twp. Police Department and Brownstown Fire and Rescue arrived on scene to assist and transport the injured woman to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Responding Brownstown Fire and Rescue noted that if the Agent had not been there to immediately respond, the subject’s condition would have been extremely dire.
In fiscal year 2020, U.S. Border Patrol agents nationwide conducted 5,071 life-saving rescues in a wide variety of circumstances.