If our government supported our Border Patrol agents better they would have filled these openings by now. That's my opinion anyway.

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Border Patrol blitzing Ohio for a few thousand good men and women

Tom Beres
Created: 4/18/2008 5:54:31 PM
Updated:4/19/2008 1:12:13 AM



CLEVELAND -- The Border Patrol is holding a massive recruiting blitz in Ohio this weekend.

On Saturday (April 20), there will be events in Ohio's seven largest cities.

The patrol is under Presidential order to expand by almost 50 percent.

This is the first time one state has been targeted so intensively.

Ohio was chosen because its struggling economy means lots of good candidates are seeking opportunities.

And it's an easy-to-get-to location from other Midwest states.

Patrol Recruitment Manager Joel Arata says, "We've been to Ohio a few times already. We've got a lot of very qualified applicants."

Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Dan Hebert says, "It's an excellent opportunity for people to defend America from America without having to leave the country."

The Border Patrol's job is to guard 6,000 miles of border with Mexico and Canada and watch waters surrounding Florida.

Terrorists, illegal aliens and smugglers of drugs or illegal merchandise are the targets.

First-year agents will make between $36,000 and $46,000.

After three years, $70,000 earnings are possible.

Applicants must speak or learn to speak Spanish but there are no educational requirements.

The Patrol is trying to greatly increase its number of African-American agents.

All interviews are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday.

In Cleveland, they'll be at the Renaissance Hotel on Public Square.

In Akron, they are at Four Points By Sheraton Akron West Hotel on West Market street.

Field agents will be at the sessions to answer questions.


www.wkyc.com