The Del Rio Border Patrol Sector honored one of its agents, for an act of heroism, Nov. 2. South Texas Regional Director Ana Maria Garcia, from the Office of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, presented Border Patrol Agent Julian T. LiDrazzah with the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery, during a ceremony at the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector Headquarters.
“Agent LiDrazzah’s act of heroism is indicative of his profound character,” said Matthew J. Hudak, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, Del Rio Sector.
“Placing the lives of strangers above his own not only demonstrates Agent LiDrazzah’s high regard for human life, but this selfless act also serves as an example of the true humanitarians proudly serving in the United States Border Patrol.”
Every day, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers engage in exceptional acts of bravery while in the line of duty. Often, such acts place the officers involved at personal risk of injury or result in their sustaining a physical injury.
To honor these acts of bravery, Congress passed the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2008, creating the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery.
It is awarded annually by the U.S. Attorney General to federal, state, and local law enforcement.
On April 11, 2014, Agent LiDrazzah responded to a group of 11 subjects attempting to cross the Rio Grande River near Eagle Pass. Recent heavy rain and flooding caused high water levels and a strong current, making the Rio Grande River more dangerous than usual.
Agent LiDrazzah risked his own life by entering unpredictable waters to rescue an exhausted mother and her child after he witnessed them disappear underwater approximately 25 yards from where he stood.
Without hesitation, Agent LiDrazzah jumped into the river and fought fierce currents to reach the mother and child to pull them to shore. Once on shore, Agent LiDrazzah immediately administered emergency treatment to the frightened young child and distraught mother.
Because of the agent’s quick, life-saving actions, they suffered no ill-effects from their ordeal.
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.
