In this Weeks The Green Line Radio Show, Art Del Cueto discussed the challenges faced by agents working in remote locations, particularly in the Tucson sector. Art discussed his experiences as a field agent, particularly in hot weather conditions. He shared his strategies for dealing with unresponsive air conditioning in vehicles, such as checking the vehicle’s systems before leaving and turning off the AC when it’s not working. Art also mentioned his preference for not turning back to the station to change vehicles, as it would add significant time to his workday.
Art discussed the importance of maintaining the equipment of agents, particularly in the context of their vehicles. He shared a personal experience where he noticed a trainee driving a vehicle with a bent shock absorber, which could have posed a safety risk. Art expressed his concern about the treatment of new agents and the need for proper equipment. He also mentioned that Mike Banks, the new chief of the Border Patrol, has taken steps to address these issues by providing new vehicles to the field and marking them as Border Patrol.
He highlighted the long drives agents have to make to reach the border and back to their stations, which can be tiring and lead to vehicle wear and tear. Art emphasized the importance of good equipment and the need for assistance from other agents in case of emergencies. He also mentioned the practice of agents helping each other in such situations, with the understanding that the person helped will owe a favor, such as providing food, to the person who assisted them.
Art discussed the importance of the National Border Patrol Council in raising awareness about border issues and immigration concerns. He emphasized that without the Council, many politicians and the public would not be aware of these issues. Art also highlighted the challenges faced by agents who have never worked in the field and the need for the Union to provide support to these agents. He expressed concern about potential laws that could negatively impact the Union and its ability to help agents.
Art discussed the camaraderie and bonds formed with border patrol agents, emphasizing the importance of these relationships. He expressed his admiration for the agents he worked with and the bonds they formed, particularly during cookouts at the musters. Art discussed his experiences working within the prison system, emphasizing the tight bond and camaraderie among corrections officers due to the high-stakes nature of their work. He highlighted the importance of trust and quick thinking in their roles, particularly when dealing with dangerous inmates. Art also mentioned the unique dynamics within the prison system, such as the strict rules and the reliance on a single officer to carry the keys for emergency exits. He noted that these experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of teamwork and loyalty in law enforcement.
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