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For Immediate Release

 Contact:
September 28, 2010 DUSM James Badway, District of New Mexico (505) 462-2344
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2010
Albuquerque, NM – The United States Marshal Service, District of New Mexico, will be assisting local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the 2010 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The annual event will take place October 2-10. The fiesta expects 750-1000 balloon pilots to participate from all over the world and the event attracts over 10,000 spectators a day totaling over one million for the event. During the nine days of Balloon Fiesta, the men and women of law enforcement devote all their efforts and resources to provide all visitors to the park with the highest quality service and protection. They maintain a 24/7 mobile, mounted, plain clothes, and foot patrol surveillance throughout Balloon Fiesta.

This will be the first year the Marshal Service will deploy a ATF certified explosives detection canine at the event. Members of the Public Safety Unit for the event include the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department, Bernalillo County Search and Rescue, New Mexico State Police, U.S. Marshal Service, City of Albuquerque Emergency Management, State Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety, Lovelace Emergency Care Center, Public Service Company of New Mexico, and American Automobile Association (AAA), and they are responsible for the enforcement of all traffic laws, local jurisdiction criminal codes, and upholding all AIBF policies and regulations.

10 a.m. – Saturday, October 2, 2010
“Public Safety Day” - Balloon Fiesta Park - Launch Field

After the balloons have all flown from Balloon Fiesta Park, law enforcement agency personnel will move vehicles and equipment onto the field to give the public the opportunity to get a close-up look at fire and police equipment; talk with firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel. The event will feature a variety of displays from several agencies including helicopters, hovercraft, mounted horse patrol, patrol vehicles, emergency response vehicles and a ladder truck.

If any District is investigating cases that have leads connected to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta please contact Warrants Supervisor James Burrell @ (505) 238-5355.

For more information about the U.S. Marshals Service, visit http://www.usmarshals.gov.