U.S. Customs and Border Protection hosts elementary students

HOULTON, Maine — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agents celebrated Black History Month by hosting a diversity inclusion event for local elementary students in the Houlton and Hodgdon, Maine area.    “Most individuals are unaware of how diverse CBP is in regard to personnel, careers, assets, cultures and missions,” said John Bonner, acting patrol agent in charge, Fort Fairfield Border Patrol Station and Maine Diversity Inclusion Committee president. “This event was a great conduit for our agents and officers to engage students, and allow them an opportunity to gain knowledge of our agency and the diversity we actually represent on all fronts.”
On Feb. 26, officers and agents from the Houlton Air Branch, the Field Operations and the Houlton Border Patrol Sector spent the day with close to 300 students from Hodgdon and Houlton Southside Elementary Schools, and the Greater Houlton Christian Academy to discuss diversity and the different aspects of CBP.
The event began with CBP officials from each office sharing the importance of diversity, and the career path and challenges each of them faced throughout their careers. Curious students then enjoyed canine demonstrations from both the Boston Field Office and Houlton Sector. The young audience was astounded how each dog was able to accurately sniff out ‘target’ suitcases and boxes with their well-trained nose time and time again. Students were captivated further when they were placed into smaller groups and rotated through various stations that included agriculture, fiber optic scope and buster, helicopter, geographic information systems, and use of force. Each station consisted of officers and agents demonstrating the diverse equipment and training used in securing the border, and allowed students to have open dialogue with CBP personnel and hands-on training.
At the conclusion of the day’s events, students and teachers alike thanked CBP personnel for the opportunity to experience some of the diverse careers CBP has to offer. And appreciate what each of them does in keeping our communities and our border safe from all threats.
During this event CBP also hosted a potluck luncheon for its employees in celebration of Black History Month and the diversity within the agency.