WASHINGTON— East End Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant of $84,550 to support firefighters and their work as first responders, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Friday. The funding can be used for training and support operations, and to purchase firefighter safety and rescue equipment. It comes through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.
“This funding will help make sure first responders at the East End Volunteer Fire Department will have the resources necessary to keep the surrounding community safe,” Sen. Cornyn said. “We have a responsibility to support those working on the front lines every day to protect families, homes and property.”
The award aims to enhance first responders' ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.
Sen. Cornyn has held roundtables with emergency first responders across Texas as part of his ongoing effort to support their work. The events provide communities with the opportunity to express their needs and concerns directly to Sen. Cornyn.
The Office of Grants and Training, a component of the DHS Preparedness Directorate, partners with state and local officials to strengthen the capabilities of first responders in addressing emergencies and catastrophic incidents. The program provides a broad array of assistance to America’s emergency responders through funding, coordinated training, exercises, equipment acquisition, and technical assistance.
Sen. Cornyn serves on the Finance, Judiciary, Agriculture and Budget Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hurricane Preparedness Week in Texas
The week of May 23-29 , 2010 has been set as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Texas. This is an opportunity for everyone to become aware of the potential dangers and hazards that a hurricane can bring. Take this week to become familiar with emergency plans, evacuation routes and have supply kits prepared.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Burn ban in effect witihin the City of Jasper
The City of Jasper has announced an order restricting outdoor burning within the city. The ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning, in any form or fashion, was signed into effect, shortly after 2:00, on Tuesday afternoon, by Mayor Mike Lout, following discussions with City fire marshal Robert Matheson and others.
The ban will be in effect for seven days, unless it is extended by a vote of the Jasper City Council.
Violation of the burn ban is a class c misdemeanor crime, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00.
The ban was reportedly brought about due to the extremely dry conditions that have prevailed over the last few days, resulting in the high danger of fire.
The ban will be in effect for seven days, unless it is extended by a vote of the Jasper City Council.
Violation of the burn ban is a class c misdemeanor crime, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00.
The ban was reportedly brought about due to the extremely dry conditions that have prevailed over the last few days, resulting in the high danger of fire.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
UPDATE: The body of Trooper Chenault was found this morning in very shallow water in Lake Travis near Alligator Creek.
UPDATE: The body of Trooper Chenault was found this morning in very shallow water in Lake Travis near Alligator Creek.
He was found in the cove close to his home by a DPS diver.Search crews from multiple agencies agencies are looking for the body of a longtime Texas Department of Public Safety trooper assigned to the Capital Detail disappeared Monday evening at Lake Travis.Wesley Chenault, 50, went to go check his trot fishing lines around 5 p.m., according to DPS, and then didn’t answer phone calls later that evening. His wife found his boat on the opposite side of the trt line in a cove area of Lake Travis not far from their Spicewood Springs home on the western side of Lake Travis.Chenault is now presumed dead.Rescuers believe Monday evening’s thunderstorms may be a factor in Chenault’s disappearance.DPS helicopter and dive teams, Lower Colorado River Authority dive teams and Texas Parks and Recreation are searching the area.Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.DPS trooper Robbie Barrera says Chenault had a passion for fishing. Chenault has been with DPS since 1986. He was assigned to the Texas State Capitol.
Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.
In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.
He was found in the cove close to his home by a DPS diver.Search crews from multiple agencies agencies are looking for the body of a longtime Texas Department of Public Safety trooper assigned to the Capital Detail disappeared Monday evening at Lake Travis.Wesley Chenault, 50, went to go check his trot fishing lines around 5 p.m., according to DPS, and then didn’t answer phone calls later that evening. His wife found his boat on the opposite side of the trt line in a cove area of Lake Travis not far from their Spicewood Springs home on the western side of Lake Travis.Chenault is now presumed dead.Rescuers believe Monday evening’s thunderstorms may be a factor in Chenault’s disappearance.DPS helicopter and dive teams, Lower Colorado River Authority dive teams and Texas Parks and Recreation are searching the area.Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.DPS trooper Robbie Barrera says Chenault had a passion for fishing. Chenault has been with DPS since 1986. He was assigned to the Texas State Capitol.
Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.
In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Travelers Warning For Falcon Lake, Texas
This is forwarded to you by the State of Texas State Operations Center (SOC).
Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake
Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.
Three reported incidents since April 30 have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.
Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters.
This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.
The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.
On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
Anyone who is involved in an incident on Falcon Lake should dial 911 and report it to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.
To maximize safety, boaters should stay in U.S. waters on Falcon Lake and file a float plan. This means leaving a detailed note with family members telling the time and place of departure (boat ramp), destination and direction of travel, boater cell phone number if available, names of passengers and what they're wearing, and a description of the boater's vehicle and boat, including boat and vehicle license numbers.
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers
should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html).
Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake
Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.
Three reported incidents since April 30 have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.
Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters.
This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.
The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.
On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
Anyone who is involved in an incident on Falcon Lake should dial 911 and report it to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.
To maximize safety, boaters should stay in U.S. waters on Falcon Lake and file a float plan. This means leaving a detailed note with family members telling the time and place of departure (boat ramp), destination and direction of travel, boater cell phone number if available, names of passengers and what they're wearing, and a description of the boater's vehicle and boat, including boat and vehicle license numbers.
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers
should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html).
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Friday, May 28, 2010
Cornyn Announces East End Volunteer Fire Department to Receive $84,550 Grant
WASHINGTON— East End Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant of $84,550 to support firefighters and their work as first responders, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Friday. The funding can be used for training and support operations, and to purchase firefighter safety and rescue equipment. It comes through the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.
“This funding will help make sure first responders at the East End Volunteer Fire Department will have the resources necessary to keep the surrounding community safe,” Sen. Cornyn said. “We have a responsibility to support those working on the front lines every day to protect families, homes and property.”
The award aims to enhance first responders' ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.
Sen. Cornyn has held roundtables with emergency first responders across Texas as part of his ongoing effort to support their work. The events provide communities with the opportunity to express their needs and concerns directly to Sen. Cornyn.
The Office of Grants and Training, a component of the DHS Preparedness Directorate, partners with state and local officials to strengthen the capabilities of first responders in addressing emergencies and catastrophic incidents. The program provides a broad array of assistance to America’s emergency responders through funding, coordinated training, exercises, equipment acquisition, and technical assistance.
Sen. Cornyn serves on the Finance, Judiciary, Agriculture and Budget Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.
“This funding will help make sure first responders at the East End Volunteer Fire Department will have the resources necessary to keep the surrounding community safe,” Sen. Cornyn said. “We have a responsibility to support those working on the front lines every day to protect families, homes and property.”
The award aims to enhance first responders' ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.
Sen. Cornyn has held roundtables with emergency first responders across Texas as part of his ongoing effort to support their work. The events provide communities with the opportunity to express their needs and concerns directly to Sen. Cornyn.
The Office of Grants and Training, a component of the DHS Preparedness Directorate, partners with state and local officials to strengthen the capabilities of first responders in addressing emergencies and catastrophic incidents. The program provides a broad array of assistance to America’s emergency responders through funding, coordinated training, exercises, equipment acquisition, and technical assistance.
Sen. Cornyn serves on the Finance, Judiciary, Agriculture and Budget Committees. He serves as the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration, Refugees and Border Security subcommittee. He served previously as Texas Attorney General, Texas Supreme Court Justice, and Bexar County District Judge.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Hurricane Preparedness Week in Texas
The week of May 23-29 , 2010 has been set as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Texas. This is an opportunity for everyone to become aware of the potential dangers and hazards that a hurricane can bring. Take this week to become familiar with emergency plans, evacuation routes and have supply kits prepared.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Burn ban in effect witihin the City of Jasper
The City of Jasper has announced an order restricting outdoor burning within the city. The ban, which prohibits all outdoor burning, in any form or fashion, was signed into effect, shortly after 2:00, on Tuesday afternoon, by Mayor Mike Lout, following discussions with City fire marshal Robert Matheson and others.
The ban will be in effect for seven days, unless it is extended by a vote of the Jasper City Council.
Violation of the burn ban is a class c misdemeanor crime, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00.
The ban was reportedly brought about due to the extremely dry conditions that have prevailed over the last few days, resulting in the high danger of fire.
The ban will be in effect for seven days, unless it is extended by a vote of the Jasper City Council.
Violation of the burn ban is a class c misdemeanor crime, punishable by a fine of up to $500.00.
The ban was reportedly brought about due to the extremely dry conditions that have prevailed over the last few days, resulting in the high danger of fire.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
UPDATE: The body of Trooper Chenault was found this morning in very shallow water in Lake Travis near Alligator Creek.
UPDATE: The body of Trooper Chenault was found this morning in very shallow water in Lake Travis near Alligator Creek.
He was found in the cove close to his home by a DPS diver.Search crews from multiple agencies agencies are looking for the body of a longtime Texas Department of Public Safety trooper assigned to the Capital Detail disappeared Monday evening at Lake Travis.Wesley Chenault, 50, went to go check his trot fishing lines around 5 p.m., according to DPS, and then didn’t answer phone calls later that evening. His wife found his boat on the opposite side of the trt line in a cove area of Lake Travis not far from their Spicewood Springs home on the western side of Lake Travis.Chenault is now presumed dead.Rescuers believe Monday evening’s thunderstorms may be a factor in Chenault’s disappearance.DPS helicopter and dive teams, Lower Colorado River Authority dive teams and Texas Parks and Recreation are searching the area.Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.DPS trooper Robbie Barrera says Chenault had a passion for fishing. Chenault has been with DPS since 1986. He was assigned to the Texas State Capitol.
Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.
In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.
He was found in the cove close to his home by a DPS diver.Search crews from multiple agencies agencies are looking for the body of a longtime Texas Department of Public Safety trooper assigned to the Capital Detail disappeared Monday evening at Lake Travis.Wesley Chenault, 50, went to go check his trot fishing lines around 5 p.m., according to DPS, and then didn’t answer phone calls later that evening. His wife found his boat on the opposite side of the trt line in a cove area of Lake Travis not far from their Spicewood Springs home on the western side of Lake Travis.Chenault is now presumed dead.Rescuers believe Monday evening’s thunderstorms may be a factor in Chenault’s disappearance.DPS helicopter and dive teams, Lower Colorado River Authority dive teams and Texas Parks and Recreation are searching the area.Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.DPS trooper Robbie Barrera says Chenault had a passion for fishing. Chenault has been with DPS since 1986. He was assigned to the Texas State Capitol.
Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.
In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Travelers Warning For Falcon Lake, Texas
This is forwarded to you by the State of Texas State Operations Center (SOC).
Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake
Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.
Three reported incidents since April 30 have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.
Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters.
This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.
The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.
On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
Anyone who is involved in an incident on Falcon Lake should dial 911 and report it to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.
To maximize safety, boaters should stay in U.S. waters on Falcon Lake and file a float plan. This means leaving a detailed note with family members telling the time and place of departure (boat ramp), destination and direction of travel, boater cell phone number if available, names of passengers and what they're wearing, and a description of the boater's vehicle and boat, including boat and vehicle license numbers.
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers
should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html).
Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake
Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.
Three reported incidents since April 30 have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.
Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters.
This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.
The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.
On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
Anyone who is involved in an incident on Falcon Lake should dial 911 and report it to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.
To maximize safety, boaters should stay in U.S. waters on Falcon Lake and file a float plan. This means leaving a detailed note with family members telling the time and place of departure (boat ramp), destination and direction of travel, boater cell phone number if available, names of passengers and what they're wearing, and a description of the boater's vehicle and boat, including boat and vehicle license numbers.
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers
should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html).
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