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Pembina Port of Entry hosts local school field trip

Release Date
Mon, 05/23/2016

PEMBINA, N.D. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) sponsored an outreach event at the Pembina Port of Entry event for 30 students enrolled at Cavalier Public Schools on May 9.

Area Port Director Jason Schmelz welcomed the energetic students from the fourth grade classes of Mr. O’Leary and Ms. Martinez and provided a quick overview of port operations and the mission of CBP.  The students were separated into two groups with tours of the Pembina Port of Entry provided by Supervisory CBP Officers Mike Rude and Larry Gapp.

Fourth grade students from Cavalier Public Schools took a field trip to the Pembina, North Dakota, on May 9.

Fourth grade students from Cavalier Public Schools took a field trip to the Pembina, North Dakota, on May 9.

The tour included a demonstration of CBP’s non-intrusive technology and a practical exercise where the students were given an opportunity to search a vehicle loaded with mock contraband.  During the contraband vehicle search the students were split into three groups with Team Rude quickly finding all the contraband. 

CBP Officer Gapp, a dedicated firearms instructor, provided a hands-on Use of Force demonstration highlighting the different tactical tools CBP Officers are trained to use in the course of their duties.  The students were allowed to handle some training aids and received a tour of the firearms range, which proved to be a highlight to many of the students.

The tour ended with a demonstration of CBP’s narcotics detector dog “Grey.” A demonstration was provided by CBPO K-9 Officer Matt Misson where students were able to witness the detection of narcotics staged in a training scenario. 

Upon completion of the tour the students were given some CBP trinkets and a snack was donated by the Pembina Port of Entry Federal Employees Welfare and Recreation Association.

“The day was very educational and provided the students with a better understanding of the work performed by CBP Officers working at the Pembina Port of Entry,” said Area Port Director Jason Schmelz. “I am hopeful that the hands-on experience provided today will spark interest for these students in considering positions in CBP or public service later in life.”

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