Del Rio Border Patrol Agent Receives Congressional Badge of Bravery

DEL RIO, TX - Yesterday, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector honored Agent Julian T. LiDrazzah for an act of heroism in April 2014. According to a press release, South Texas Regional Director Ana Maria Garcia, from the Office of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, presented Agent LiDrazzah with the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery during a ceremony at the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector Headquarters.

On April 11, 2014, Agent LiDrizzah 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, which made the river more dangerous than usual. Agent LiDrizzah risked his own life by entering unpredictable waters to rescue a mother and her child after he saw them disappear under water, approximately 25 yards from where he stood.

The agent jumped into the river and "fought fierce currents" to reach the mother and child to pull them to shore. Once on shore, Agent LiDrizzah immediately administered emergency treatment to the frightened child and distraught mother. Because of his quick, life-saving actions, the two suffered no negative effects from the situation.

“Agent LiDrazzah’s act of heroism is indicative of his profound character,” said Matthew J. Hudak, Acting Chief Patrol Agent for Del Rio BP. “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.” 

The release noted that the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery was created by public law in 2008 to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty. It is awarded annually by the U.S. Attorney General to federal, state, and local law enforcement.