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  4. CBP U.S. Border Patrol Agents Carry Out Unexpected Rescue

CBP U.S. Border Patrol Agents Carry Out Unexpected Rescue

Release Date
Fri, 10/01/2010

Santee, Calif. - Border Patrol agents with the San Diego sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue unit recently rendered assistance to an overheated dog during a technical rescue training exercise north of West Hills High School in Santee.

On Sept. 24 at about 10 a.m., BORSTAR agents responded to cries for help from a local citizen whose dog had overheated during a morning hike. The agents moved swiftly to lower the animal's temperature by pouring cool water over its entire body and moving it into shade. After determining that the dog was not strong enough to walk out on its own, agents carried the dog out of the tough hiking terrain to its owner's vehicle using the same litter basket they use to rescue people during border security operations.

The agents' scheduled training day on one of the hottest days of the year in East County resulted in an unexpected successful rescue. Both the dog and its owner were appreciative for BORSTAR agents' assistance.

BORSTAR is the U.S. Border Patrol's premiere border search and rescue team. It is a highly trained rapid response unit designed to meet the trauma of southwest border search and rescue operations. BORSTAR agents are experts in operating in the border environment, topography, climate and cultural distinctiveness of the border. The teams are comprised of Border Patrol agents trained in the various disciplines of search and rescue and emergency medical treatment.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021