U.S. Border Patrol goes ‘green’

Photo courtesy Shelbe Benson-Fuller, CBP publications specialist
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY — Attending the June 16 U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Fort Fairfield Station ribbon-cutting ceremony were, from left: Dan Foster, Fort Fairfield town manager; Sharon Campbell, Senator Snowe’s Office; Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Alfredo Casillas, Houlton Sector; Patrol Agent in Charge Dennis Harmon, Fort Fairfield Station; Phil Bosse, Senator Collin’s Office; Barbara Hayslett, Congressman Michaud’s Office; Rev. Jean Paul Labrie, St. Denis Catholic Church; and Bob Clark, Fort Fairfield Station building owner.
    FORT FAIRFIELD — Last week, the Houlton Sector, along with approximately 100 guests, celebrated the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art, green Border Patrol Station in Fort Fairfield.
    The Houlton Sector Honor Guard started off the day’s celebration with the national anthem being sung by Fort Fairfield resident Robert Helstrom and invocation by Reverend Jean Paul Labrie from the St. Denis Catholic Church.
    Guest speakers included Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Alfredo Casillas from Houlton Sector, Barbara Hayslett from Congressman Michaud’s Office, Phil Bosse from Senator Collin’s Office and Sharon Campbell from Senator Snowe’s Office. Closing remarks were by Patrol Agent in Charge Dennis Harmon from the Fort Fairfield Station followed by the ribbon cutting which formally marked the opening of the new $6.5 million, 26,000 square foot facility situated on 10 acres, constructed by Dan Hebert, Inc. Construction, New Hampshire and supervised by the U.S. General Services Administration, New England Region.
    The developer of the new Fort Fairfield Station was not required to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification; however, their commitment to the environment and surrounding communities were taken into consideration during the construction phase. Using the “Rating System Checklist” criteria set forth by the Green Building Council, items taken into consideration during construction were, erosion and sediment control, development density, stormwater management, landscape and exterior design to reduce heat islands, light pollution reduction, water efficient landscaping, CFC reduction in HVACR&R equipment, construction waste management, low-emitting materials, thermal comfort and innovation in design.
    This state-of-the-art facility may accommodate up to 50 agents and staff. The facility includes such amenities as a helicopter landing site with lighting, a processing and holding facility, a mechanics bay, and indoor parking for up to 18 service vehicles.
    “In order to accomplish our mission, we need the appropriate mix of infrastructure, personnel, technology, partnerships, and intelligence,” said PAIC Harmon, “This state-of-the-art facility will enable our agents to complete our mission more efficiently and effectively in securing our borders, while keeping our communities safe.”
    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 the nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.