An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Sept. 27, 2021

Tennessee National Guardsman revives pedestrian with CPR

By Lt. Col. Darrin Haas, Tennessee National Guard Public Affairs Office

LAREDO, Texas – On Sept. 20, Tennessee Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Christopher Hurley rushed to resuscitate a person on the Gateway to the Americas port of entry bridge.

While conducting administrative support at the port of entry, Hurley overheard a radio call about a person collapsing and requiring assistance. A trained Army medic and civilian paramedic, Hurley sprang into action.

When Hurley arrived at the scene, Customs and Border Protection officers told him the person was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Hurley made a quick assessment and began CPR while CBP personnel called Emergency Medical Services.

Thanks to Hurley's efforts, the person regained consciousness and was responsive when EMS arrived to transport him to a nearby hospital.

Hurley had performed CPR many times as a medic and paramedic, but this was the first time he interacted with his patient after resuscitation. Hurley thanked CBP officers for their support and commended their quick actions.

"Staff Sgt. Hurley's willingness to step up in a time of need exemplifies the ideals of what it is to be a Soldier," said Army National Guard Capt. Billy Blackwell, Hurley's company commander.

Hurley is deployed on Title 10 active-duty orders in support of the Department of Defense's Southwest Border support mission to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

 

 

Related Articles
Staff Sgt. Alexander Spradling, an instructor with the 1-117th Military Police Battalion’s Multifunction Company prepares to launch an RQ-28A, a small, unmanned aircraft during the Small Unmanned Aircraft System, or SUAS, Master Trainer pilot course at Tullahoma’s Volunteer Training Site, June 23, 2026. Unlike the Army’s basic operator course, the Master Trainer Course prepares experienced operators to certify future SUAS pilots, manage unit training programs and advise commanders on unmanned aircraft system employment. Facilitated by Tennessee’s 117th Regional Training Institute, this is the first course of its kind in the Army National Guard. Photo by 1st Lt. Bailey Breving.
Tennessee Guard Hosts First Drone Trainer Course
By Tennessee National Guard | July 2, 2026
SMYRNA, Tenn. – Twelve Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers became the first graduates of Tennessee’s new Small Unmanned Aircraft System, or SUAS, Master Trainer course led by the 1-117th Military Police Battalion at...

Senior Airman Ashlyn Rayl, 134th Security Forces Squadron, talks with a Bulgarian force protection airman before the capstone for Falcon Defender 26, Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Plovdiv, Bulgaria, June 12, 2026. Falcon Defender is an exercise integrating the Tennessee Air National Guard and Bulgarian force protection airmen to strengthen bonds and build upon relationships brought about by the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program between the Tennessee National Guard and Bulgaria since 1993. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Cassandra Johnson.
Tennessee Guard, Bulgaria Partners Train in Falcon Defender 26
By Tech. Sgt. Cassandra Johnson, | June 25, 2026
GRAF IGNATIEVO AIR BASE, Bulgaria – Security Forces Airmen from the Tennessee Air National Guard and the Bulgarian Air Force participated June 8-12 in Falcon Defender 26, an annual exercise focused on specialized tactical and...

Washington Army National Guard Soldiers work alongside members of the Bulgarian Land Forces' 61st Mechanized Brigade during Stryker familiarization training in Bulgaria in 2026. From March through June, a four-member Washington Army National Guard Mobile Training Team provided operator, maintenance, recovery and driver training following the transfer of Stryker vehicles from the Washington Army National Guard to Bulgaria, helping build the foundation for the country's new mechanized capability. Courtesy photo.
Washington Guard Supports Bulgaria's Stryker Modernization Effort
By Joseph Siemandel, | June 11, 2026
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – As Bulgaria received its first Stryker vehicles this spring, a small team of Washington Army National Guard Soldiers traveled more than 5,000 miles to pass on the knowledge, skills and lessons learned...