New High-Tech Border Patrol Station Opens in Sunburst

By KFBB News Team
Sep 24, 2009 at 10:28 PM MDT
(Story Updated: Sep 24, 2009 at 10:28 PM MDT )

Although agents have been working from the building since July, the Sunburst community gathered today to officially open the new Sweetgrass Border Patrol station.

Multimedia Watch The Video 'I'm very proud of this facility, it is phenomenal, the city of Sunburst really went all out to get this facility, and I just couldn't be prouder," said Brenna Neinast, Chief Patrol Havre Sector.

The high-tech station will serve as the hub for patrol agents guarding over 50 miles of US-Canadian border. The building has enough space to easily hide a bus, and it's concrete walls are designed to withstand harsh winds and winter weather.

"The building is 100% sustainable, no matter what the weather might throw at us. The building is still going to be operating. We'll still be able to operate 100% of the building, 100% of the time," said John K. Miller, Agent in Charge Sweetgrass.

Border security is a way of life for towns in Northern Montana, and the Sunburst community has been supportive of border patrol and their new station.

"The support that we've had from this community is comparable to none that I've seen in my career," said Miller.

For many locals, today's event was all about taking a peek into the new facility. Sunburst Elementary students toured the station and learned all about the center's living, teaching, and detention capabilities.

" I think it's really important that our kids know how important this station is. It brings in people. A lot of our kids have their parents work for border patrol," said Ann Dunk, a Sunburst teacher.

While all of the new security tools on show today are impressive, they are just a glimpse into the high-tech force guarding our northern border.

http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/61344712.html