Houlton Border Patrol agents honored for bravery

    HOULTON, Maine—Two U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Houlton branch were honored Friday with prestigious awards by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar in Washington D.C. for demonstrating exemplary bravery during the course of their daily duties safeguarding America from all threats.
Border Patrol Agents Russell D. Radatz and Sterling W. Goldston received the Meritorious Service Award for Valor in recognition for saving the lives of innocent passengers and bystanders from an unstable subject claiming to have a bomb.
    While conducting an immigration inspection during a transportation check on March 30, 2011, agents Radatz and Goldston were approached by passengers stating that there was a man on the bus with a bomb. Agents proceeded to board the bus to investigate when they encountered a man, who refused to exit the bus. The agents observed wire coming out of the man’s vest and an object in his hand. At that point, agents safely evacuated all other occupants from the bus then notified their local, state and federal partners of the incident. The Houlton Police Department, Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, Maine State Police, Houlton Fire Department and Houlton EMS all responded to the scene.
After approximately five and a half hours of negotiations conducted by the Maine State Police, the individual surrendered and was taken into custody by the Maine State Police Tactical Unit.
“Words can not describe how proud we are as an agency to have these agents working in Maine and for them to receive the highest awards from CBP for their heroic actions,” said Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Mellia, Houlton Sector, U.S. Border Patrol. “It is truly a privilege and honor to lead agents who display such valor and courage. Their disregard for their own personal safety exemplifies the commitment and honor they have to each other, and to members of the community, as they do their best to protect our Nation each day from all threats.”