Michael Hedlund

CBP Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Duty Station: Calexico, Calif.
Hometown: Portland, Ore.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer Michael Hedlund observed a military jet rapidly descending in a nose dive and crashing into a residential area in Imperial Valley, Calif. on June 4, 2014. Officer Hedlund rushed to the crash site where he observed a crater in the street and multiple fires. He quickly blocked traffic with his vehicle and immediately began evacuating nearby homes, assisting homeowners in the removal of people and animals.