From WRIL - The Big One -
Local 2015 Bell County graduate Jarrett Chase Adkins was honored on Thursday, March 28, 2024, with the Purple Cross given to US Border Patrol Agents. The presentation was held at Middlesboro City Hall and states it was “in commemoration of injuries and wounds received in the scope of duty.”
Adkins was injured in October of 2023 when a vehicle, traveling nearly 90 mph, collided with the Interstate-8 checkpoint, east of Yuma Arizona. Adkins sustained life-threatening injuries. He recovered with the help of several individuals including fellow agents, Air & Marine Operations, and the medical staff at Yuma Regional Medical Center along with Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
Jarrett Adkins was hailed for his “strength, resilience, and determination that shone through, becoming a beacon of inspiration to many.”
During the event, several individuals spoke about what Jarrett’s dedication to duty meant to them and to those he works with as a Border Patrol Agent. Chief of the United States Border Patrol Jason Owens stated that in the nearly 100 years of the Border Patrol’s existence, very few have been awarded this medal. He went on to cite Jarrett’s dedication to duty and loyalty to his co-workers.
Owens conducted the pinning of the Purple Cross personally in front of several other Border Patrol Agents and local first responders whom his father Rodney Adkins had worked with, namely the Middlesboro Fire Department.
During Rodney’s chance to speak, he talked about the moment he and his wife received the call that his son was seriously injured. He went on to say how thankful he was that he had so many who came to his aid that day and those who helped his incredible recovery.
A video was shown of those who responded to the incident in October and his co-workers wishing him well in the next phase of his journey and that they would be welcoming him back with open arms.
The National Origins Act authorized the formation of the U.S. Border Patrol on May 26, 1924. The United States Border Patrol is a federal law enforcement agency under the United States Customs and Border Protection and is responsible for securing the borders of the United States. The Border Patrol is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States.
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