On February 14, 2025, a family from Charleston, South Carolina, expressed gratitude for the quick actions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Atlanta who helped save their mother during a medical emergency. The incident occurred on January 5 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when Mary Mallette, a 74-year-old traveler from Charleston, collapsed after arriving from Johannesburg.
CBP Supervisor Joe Manor first noticed Mallette's condition near the CBP primary inspection area. Officer Billy Graham joined him and called for emergency services while bringing medical equipment, including an automatic external defibrillator (AED). As Graham administered basic life support, Mallette became unconscious and without a pulse. CPR was initiated by Graham as Manor applied the AED. Shortly after these efforts, Mallette began breathing independently and had a detectable pulse by the time Atlanta Fire Emergency Medical Services arrived.
Officer Graham continued to monitor her condition using a blinking communication method due to her limited mobility. "Military combat life-saver training and concurrent retraining by CBP EMT’s was instrumental in our life-saving response," said Graham, who has served in the Army for 22 years.
At the family's request, the responding officers visited Mallette at an Atlanta hospital where she received treatment before being discharged to continue her recovery at home.
John Quintana, Acting Atlanta Area Port Director, praised the officers' actions: “Customs and Border Protection officers are trained for many responses. Their life-saving actions are a testament to the service and care CBP delivers.”
CBP's mission involves screening international travelers and cargo while protecting against various threats that could harm public safety or economic stability.
For more updates on CBP activities, follow them on X (formerly Twitter) at @CBPSoutheast and @DFOAtlanta.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America's largest law enforcement organization with over 65,000 members working to protect national security through innovation and collaboration.
