WARROAD, Minn. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) and U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) recently sponsored an outreach event on May 20 where students, ages 11-12, who are enrolled in 6th grade at Warroad’s Independent School District 690, were provided a glimpse in the day of a working CBP officer and Border Patrol agent.
Warroad Grade 6 Students – Tools & Technology Fiber Optic Scope – CBPO Tomczak and BPA K9 Whitney
“The day was very educational and provided the students with a better understanding of the work performed by CBP and other federal agencies,” said Port Director Brian King. “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.”
CBP Supervisory Officer Jared Olafson welcomed the students and let them know they would go on a facility tour, which would include some hands-on demonstrations provided by OFO and USBP staff. The students were separated into three groups and each group attended the various demonstrations.
CBP Agriculture Specialist Chief Gene Krause, from the International Falls, MN Port of Entry, provided a look at the CBP agriculture mission and inspection process. The demonstration included an exercise that allowed the students to find and identify “pests” in relation to safeguarding U.S. agriculture and industry.
Warroad Grade 6 Students – K9 Demo – BPA K9 Whitney, SCBPO Olafson, CBPO Demmerly, CBPO Schreiner
CBP Officer Dale Demmerly, a dedicated firearms instructor, and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Joseph Strand provided a hands-on Use of Force demonstration and an inside view at what tools CBP officers and Border Patrol agents carry in the performance of 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.
CBP Officers Jarret Tomczak and Matthew Schreiner provided a demonstration of CBP’s non-intrusive technology, which included the use of the fiber-optic scope. A practical exercise was also provided where the students were given an opportunity to search a vehicle loaded with mock contraband.
The day ended with a demonstration by a USBP narcotics detection dog “Ulix.” Two canine demonstrations were provided by USBP K-9 Handler Seth Whitney where students were able to witness the detection of narcotics and a person hidden in the trunk of a vehicle.
The Warroad Port of Entry and Warroad Border Patrol Station look forward to this event on a yearly basis. “These CBP officers and Border Patrol agents thoroughly enjoy this annual event and we look forward to providing insight into CBP’s frontline mission at the Warroad Port of Entry again next year.”