LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Richard Pauza,

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Agents Doug Fires and Bobby Taylor were traveling back to their station when they observed an accident and quickly reacted by blocking traffic and rendering initial first aid to the occupants who appeared to be in shock.

“Agents Doug Fires and Bobby Taylor’s prompt action increased the safety of everyone at the scene,” said Director of Air Operations Kyle Price, Laredo Air Branch. “The agents involved did an outstanding job and their lifesaving actions are a testament to the character of our agents and the training they receive.”

The incident took place on Thursday, Jan. 26, when Laredo CBP Air and Marine Agents Doug Fires and Bobby Taylor were traveling back to their station when they observed an SUV crash into the back of a stationary Mercedes coupe at what appeared to be 45 mph. The impact was so significant it caused the coupe to crash into another vehicle. Agents immediately turned on the overhead lights to warn traffic and notified local emergency medical services. Then they approached the occupants who appeared to be in shock stating they felt like they couldn’t breathe. Each agent took an occupant, checked them for injuries, and kept them calm and talking until EMTs arrived. Once EMTs were on scene, agents began to further secure the scene and control traffic until Laredo police officers were able to take over.

“We saw the situation and realized that we needed to act immediately to prevent further injuries and secure the scene,” said Air Interdiction Agent (AIA) Fires.

AIA Fires has been an agent for a year and a half and served with U.S. Marine Corps before that. He is currently assigned to the Laredo Air Branch.

Aviation Enforcement Agent (AEA) Taylor has been an agent for eight years and was in the Army before that. He is currently assigned to the Caribbean Air Branch.