Good morning,

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​

I hope you don't mind getting this a day early.  I'll be on a plane tomorrow morning and would rather be early than late.

I am always looking to improve the blog to provide a better experience for the reader and to encourage greater participation.  Recently, I've initiated two improvements:

1. I've started a new section, "Throwback Photo of the Week" where I'll share a photo and point out interesting aspects that it contains.
2. We've upgraded our commenting system to Disqus for a more engaging, user-friendly experience.  Please comment!

On Friday, three BORTAC agents were honored with the Newton-Azrak Award for their exceptional bravery and dedication to duty in the face of grave danger. These courageous agents, along with two accompanying sheriff's deputies, entered classroom 111 at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. Upon entering, they were met with gunfire and quickly responded, bringing a tragic school shooting to an end. Unfortunately, the incident claimed the lives of 19 innocent individuals.

The awards ceremony in which those agents were presented Newton-Azrak Awards occurred at the Del Rio Sector, led by Chief Patrol Agent Jason Owens. Many other awards were presented at that ceremony, including a Purple Cross. I believe the Purple Cross was presented to Border Patrol Agent (BORTAC Operator) Wayne Jackson, who received multiple wounds during the room entry at Robb Elementary School, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News. There were also approximately 30 USBP Commendation Medals awarded for both exceptional meritorious achievements and extraordinary heroism. There were also well over 100 USBP Achievement Medals awarded, including approximately 10 to a group of agents for their service at Robb Elementary School.

It is common knowledge that the law enforcement response to Robb Elementary School was as bad as can be imagined. The numerous investigations into the response will assign responsibility, and officers will be held accountable. However, the many faults that occurred do not erase the instances of heroism and accomplishments that did occur. It is important for the Patrol and its leaders to provide affirmation to the agents that did well, even in the face of a tragedy where so much went wrong.

I commend the U.S. Border Patrol leadership who risk public scrutiny “…to take care of those in their charge,” as Simon Sinek recommends.

After the Del Rio Sector’s awards ceremony, I received a flood of emails, messages, and phone calls from thankful agents telling me of the recognitions they had received. At a time when the Patrol and its workforce are struggling, this focus on the workforce was needed and deserved.This compelled me to put pen to paper, and I wrote the following USBP leaders an email:

• Raul Ortiz, Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol
• Matt Hudak, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol
• David Bemiller, Chief of the Law Enforcement Operation Directorate
• Kathleen Scudder, Executive Director of the Mission Support Directorate
• Jason Owens, Chief Patrol Agent of the Del Rio Sector

​My motivation was to express gratitude for the awards ceremony, encourage leadership, and foster appreciation within the agency. I also aimed to support them by providing positive feedback while showing that I can acknowledge positive actions despite past criticisms.

This week, we'll dive into the U.S. Border Patrol's history, starting with Frank Berkshire's 1918 proposal and the Commissioner-General's letter on German activity. We'll explore the establishment of the Senior Patrol Inspector position, the story of Paul L.D. Calloway, the first African American Border Patrol Inspector, and the 1956 border fence cost analysis. Join us as we uncover these fascinating stories and much more!

​There are no Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week.  However, there are several actions for which the date is unknown.  I will highlight some of those below.  In 1982, three of the 26 non-USBP Newton-Azrak Award recipients received their recognitions.

​We remember Nathaniel A. Afolayan on the anniversary of his death.

Enjoy and have a great week!

​Cliff
PS - 

• As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
• As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages.
• Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

This close-up photo, believed to be taken in 1936, features two seasoned El Centro Sub-district Border Patrol Inspectors. In 1936, the Patrol transitioned from wearing puttees or boots and riding breeches to pants. The inspector on the left dons two stars and a bar, signifying at least 12 years of service, suggesting he was likely one of the first Border Patrol Inspectors in 1924. Partially visible between them is another inspector with three-inch stripes on his sleeves. Based on his position in the group, these stripes are probably silver, indicating the rank of Senior Patrol Inspector.

Learn more about the Patrol's early rank insignia here.

1918

• On April 29, 1918, after numerous discussions with the Commissioner-General, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) submitted a 9-page "Proposal to Establish an Immigration Patrol Service on the Land Boundaries."  This was his first proposal which recommended that a force of 1,608 men would be necessary to patrol the border.  The plan suggested patrolmen should be paid between $900 to $1,500 per year dependent upon whether the government provided a horse and equipment.  As the Supervising Inspector of the Mexican Border, his plan did not include staffing estimates for the Northern Border.  In addition, no records have been located to indicate a similar Supervising Inspector existed for the Canadian Border.
• On April 30, 1918, after having received Berkshire's Proposal to Establish an Immigration Patrol Service on the Land Boundaries a day earlier, the Commissioner-General wrote a 5-page letter to the Secretary of the Department of Labor.  The letter was to provide the Secretary information should he wish to bring the matter before the cabinet meeting that was scheduled to occur that day.  Further, and absent from Berkshire's proposal, the Commissioner-General provided that this initiative may be appropriate in dealing with the threat of German activity originating from Mexico:
  • ...Since the United States entered the war, although every government agency has cooperated and worked the best of its ability, it has been impossible adequately to control the passage of persons back and forth across the Mexican boundary. That information of military value has constantly been carried into Mexico and that the various laws having in view the protection of the United States against the machinations of the enemy have been extensively and repeatedly violated in that quarter has been demonstrated in many ways...

1924

• On April 30, 1924, the Action Commissioner-General sent a memo to the 11 immigration districts that were adjacent to the borders of the United States.  The memo indicated that funding was expected to be approved in the amount "...to effectively put a stop to all smuggling operations along the land boundaries..."  The memo instructed to the district heads to respond by telegram with the number of "guards or patrolmen" each district wished to receive.  They were instructed to follow the telegram with a written, more detailed response.  The memo also contains the telegram responses.
  • When I was conducting research at the National Archives, I assumed that there must have been a plan in existence to implement once funding was received to create the USBP.  The memo above and the corresponding telegrams clearly demonstrate that no such plan existed a mere three weeks before funding would be received.
  • Interestingly, once created and until 1941, the Border Patrol had more inspectors assigned to the northern border than to the southern border.  This occurred even though the southern border had requested staffing levels three times greater than that of the northern border. some my say that a greater number of inspectors were placed on the northern border in response to the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the passage of the Volstead Act, Prohibition. Further, many sources cite that the Border Patrol was created in response to Prohibition.  However, no official Immigration Service documents have been discovered in the National Archives that support that popular claim.

1926

• On May 1, 1926, Chief of the Border Patrol George Harris (1876-1941) wrote a memo concerning the importance of the "oral examination".  the most telling part of the memo is the following sentence:
  • The writer is sure the Bureau will thoroughly agree with him that the oral examination should be uniformly accorded to all patrol inspector candidates who have successfully passed the written test. In no other way is it possible so effectively to weed out obvious misfits and save the Service later trouble and expense.
• ​On May 3, 1926, a memo providing very general guidance for the position of Senior Patrol Inspector was issued by the Assistant Commissioner-General.  The position was newly created with the signing of General Order 61 on March 18, 1926.

​​
1929

• On May 3, 1929, General Order 132 was enacted.  This General Order was anchored to a March 4, 1929, "Act Making it a felony with penalty for certain aliens to enter the United States of America under certain conditions in violation of law."  That Act would be superseded in 1952, becoming 8 U.S.C. 1326, Reentry of removed aliens.

1931

• On May 1, 1931, Assistant Commissioner-General George Harris wrote one of the earliest memos found concerning Border Patrol Inspectors participating in shooting competitions.
  • An interesting aspect about this memo is that Harris had been one of the Chiefs of the Border 1926-1927 before he had promoted out of the position.  He would return to the Border Patrol as Chief 1932-1933 coming the first and only person to have served as Chief of the Border Patrol in non-consecutive terms.  Finally, it should be noted that when he first became "Chief", the position was called "Supervisor, Border Patrol".  His second time as "Chief" the position was called "Director of Border Patrol".
• On May 2, 1931, this collection of documents describes a gunfight occurred between Border Patrol Inspectors and alcohol smugglers in which suspect, Guillermo Rodriguez was killed.  The documents include a diagram and photographs of the international boundary between Cordova Island and the United States.  Patrol Inspectors involved in the shooting were
  • Patrol Inspector Raymond M. Dudley (1906-1983)
  • Patrol Inspector Richard L. Martin (1902-1996)
  • Patrol Inspector Henry Waxstock (1904-1995)

1939

• On May 6, 1939, the Buffalo Sub-district responded to the Central Office's January 18, 1939, memo to the field to inventory all badges and cap insignia for all positions.  Most notable Buffalo's response is the name, "Paul L.D. Calloway​" (1901-1960) who was the first African American Border Patrol Inspector.
  • Research indicates that Paul L.D. Calloway became a Border Patrol Inspector in the summer of 1924.  He retired from the Border Patrol in 1955.  He worked his entire career in the area of Buffalo, NY. See this 1929 roster (pg. 5).  See these photographs from 1932 and 1942.  Also, see this page from the 1930 Census. 

1955

• May 1, 1955 was the last day that suntan rough duty uniforms were authorized as per this memo.

1956

• On May 3, 1956, a multipage document was drafted to compare costs to build a border fence or to increase manpower (and associated costs) to address illegal entries. The proposed location for the fences were, Chula Vista, El Centro, Yuma, El Paso and Brownsville.  Spoil alert, it was project to be less expensive to build fences.

2003

• On May 1, 2003, Chief of the Border Patrol Gustavo De La Viña (1939-2009) signed a memo changing the criteria of the Newton-Azrak Award. This would be the award's second criteria.
  • In 2003, the INS was dissolved and the U.S. Border Patrol was transferred to the newly created U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The Newton-Azrak Award was carried over into CBP.  However, instead of providing the award criteria that had been in place since 1973 as implemented in the INS Administrative Manual the U.S. Border Patrol drafted a new criteria in the form of a memorandum from the Chief of the Border Patrol. Had the original INS criteria been implemented in CBP, all CBP law enforcement employees would have been eligible to receive the award.  However, with the change in criteria, only Border Patrol Agents could be recipients and only for acts of bravery or heroism.  Under the new criteria, CBP carried the Newton-Azrak Award as a Commissioner's award that could only be presented to Border Patrol Agents.

1982

Hipolito Acosta
Investigator
El Paso, Texas
Investigator Hipolito Acosta was recognized for his participation in several highly complex and dangerous undercover investigations resulting in the seizure of thousands of altered and counterfeit documents, and the arrest and convictions of the most notorious vendors of counterfeit documents ever encountered in the Chicago area.
 
Gary Renick
Investigator
San Antonio, Texas
Investigator Gary Renick was recognized for his efforts in gathering crucial evidence which aided the Drug Enforcement Administration in the seizure of five kilos of heroin, and which resulted in the arrest of a three-time convicted alien smuggler.  He was also credited with uncovering widespread corruption at the State of Illinois driver’s license facilities.
 
Richard Shuler
Investigator
Dallas, Texas
Investigator Richard Shuler was recognized for his courageous act in rescuing an individual from a burning building at risk to his own life.

2009

Nathaniel A. Afolayan
Date of Birth:                     March 26, 1980
Entered on Duty:               February 16, 2009
Title:                                    Border Patrol Agent (Trainee)
End of Watch:                    May 1, 2009
 
Details:
On April 30, 2009, newly hired Agent Nathaniel A. Afolayan collapsed during a physical training exam. Agent Afolayan had just completed the 1.5-mile run portion of his physical techniques final exam. After his collapse, he was transported via ambulance to Artesia General Hospital. Later that day, his condition worsened and he was taken via life-flight to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. Agent Afolayan died May 1, 2009. An autopsy concluded his death was accidental due to heat illness.
 
Agent Afolayan was a native of Nigeria. He was a member of the 856th Session of the Border Patrol Academy and was to be assigned to the Newton-Azrak Station in the San Diego Sector.

​Gravesite

Good morning,

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​
​
My primary goal in writing these blog posts is to present information that not only boosts employee morale and organizational pride within the current workforce, but also engages the broader audience. Often, in these introductory sections, I highlight areas that require attention, all with the main objective of benefiting the Patrol's workforce. At times, I delve into historical perspectives or provide evidence supporting better practices. Today, however, will be slightly different.

Instead of building a case, I'd like to share an email I sent to the CBP Survivor Advocate on April 18th last week. That day marked the anniversaries of the line-of-duty deaths of Joe White and Jose Barraza. Their tragic ends were not the result of gunfire or a desperate attempt to save someone's life, but they wore the same uniform and badge as the rest of us, past and present. I'm grateful that their names are eternally inscribed on the CBP Valor Memorial and the USBP Honor Roll book. Their deaths share similarities with at least two others, and possibly many more.

​Still passionate even after nearly two years of retirement, I sent the email below, fueled by the determination to make a difference. I don't know if it will have an impact, but I believe that if I continue taking shots, eventually, I'll make a basket...

This week, we'll explore the U.S. Border Patrol's history, beginning with Frank Berkshire's 1918 proposal to establish an "Immigration Patrol Service on the land boundaries". We'll also dive into the evolution of uniforms in the 1920s and 1930s, including the shift from riding breeches to pants, the establishment of the Border Patrol Pistol Team's uniform in 1952, and finally, the design of the U.S. Border Patrol Honor Guard Device in 1999. Join us as we uncover these fascinating stories and much more!

​We celebrate nine Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions.

​We remember Patrol Inspector William W. McKee on the anniversary of his death.

Enjoy and have a great week!

​Cliff
PS - 

• As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
• As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages.
• Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

Captured just fifteen years ago, this photo holds historical significance as the inaugural snapshot of the newly established U.S. Border Patrol Pipes and Drums. The ensemble was formed in July 2007, following the dissolution of the USBP National Bagpipe Team and sector pipe bands from Tucson, Del Rio, Laredo, and Rio Grande Valley.

Taken at the 2008 George Washington Parade in Laredo, Texas, the image documents the band's first public performance and the debut of the group's combined talents. Notably, the uniforms in the photo were mismatched, as official uniform items were still being purchased and received at the time. This event served as a rehearsal for their subsequent participation in the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade the following month. Ever since its first appearance, the Pipes and Drums has continued to represent the Patrol with distinction at various engagements, now sporting fully matched and official uniforms.

1983

Douglas G. Roy
Border Patrol Agent
El Centro Sector
Border Patrol Agent Douglas G. Roy was recognized for his courageous actions in saving the lives of persons involved in a fiery collision of a tractor-trailer and a parked Border Patrol vehicle.  On April 25, 1983, he personally extricated the driver of the overturned tractor-trailer and moved him to safety.  He also extinguished the flames that engulfed a passenger in the Border Patrol vehicle, at risk to his own safety.


1992

Johnny Magdaleno
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Brendan Manley
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Armando Ornelas
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
Robert Pittenridge
Border Patrol Agent
Yuma Sector
On April 23, 1992, Border Patrol Agents Magdaleno, Ornelas, Pittenridge, and Manley rescued four youths who were trapped in a vehicle that had crashed and become engulfed in flames.
 
Agents Magdaleno and Ornelas commenced pursuit of a vehicle that ran the traffic checkpoint.  The pursuit came to an abrupt end when the driver attempted to exit at an off-ramp, crashed through the guardrail, became airborne off the embankments, and crashed to the desert floor.  Upon arrival at the scene, the two Agents observed the engine on fire and the youths in a heap in the back seat, injured and trapped, crying for help.  They called for an ambulance, ran to the vehicle, and began attempting to extricate them.   The impact of the crash had jammed the doors shut and they were locked into position.  The fire was rapidly spreading to the interior of the vehicle.  Agent Ornelas physically tore the left front door from the vehicle, thereby exposing the passenger compartment.  Two persons were quickly removed and carried a short distance to safety.
 
When Agent Pittenridge arrived on the scene, he immediately ran to the vehicle to assist in the extrication of the remaining occupants, ignoring the flames that had now engulfed the entire front end of the vehicle.
 
Agent Manley now arrived at the scene, assessed the situation, radioed for an ambulance and fire truck, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and ran to the vehicle.  One more passenger had been removed to safety.  Two agents were in the vehicle attempting to remove the fourth passenger and the other agent was reaching into the vehicle trying to undo the tangled seat belts.  At this point, the flames were extremely close to the remaining occupant and the three agents.  Agent Manley attempted to extinguish the fire and was successful in temporarily beating back the flames as the agents feverishly worked at removing the fourth victim.
 
After the successful extrication of the victims, the agents removed the victims from the close proximity of the now totally engulfed vehicle and administered first aid until rescue personnel arrived.  Without the actions of all four agents, the successful rescue of the youths would not have been accomplished.


2015

Fernando Galvan, Jr. - ​photo
Border Patrol Agent
Edinburg, TX
Arturo Gutierrez - ​photo
Border Patrol Agent
Edinburg, TX 
On April 29, 2015, while patrolling the Rio Grande River near La Paloma, Texas, Border Patrol Agents Fernando Galvan and Arturo Gutierrez received a report of drug smugglers in a minivan moving a large load of narcotics north from the Mexico-United States border. 
 
Gutierrez discovered the minivan at a nearby intersection where it was off the road and wrecked. When the agents approached the scene they observed flames coming from under the vehicle. The agents removed one unresponsive adult male from the wreck and called for emergency medical services and local law enforcement for support. While Galvan and Gutierrez tried to extinguish the fire, now beginning to engulf the minivan, they discovered an unresponsive man inside the smoke-filled van. 
 
Unable to put out the fire, they recognized the person inside the minivan was in imminent danger. Galvan and Gutierrez quickly entered the flaming vehicle, and removed the crash victim just in time. Once the agents pulled the man from the minivan, the front end of the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames. They placed both subjects a safe distance from the burning vehicle who ultimately survived.


2021

Kent L. Carroll
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego, CA
In the early morning hours of April 26, 2020, Border Patrol Agent Kent Carroll was in a carpool travelling on Interstate 15 with two other agents when they witnessed a major two vehicle accident. One car had struck a guardrail and erupted into flames. Without hesitation, the agents jumped into action. Agent Carroll and a third agent jumped over the center divider and ran across the interstate. Agent Carroll utilized his emergency medical technician skills and checked on the driver of one car to evaluate potential injuries. The third agent was at the second vehicle which was completely engulfed in flames. Beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, Agent Carroll approached the vehicle to assist as one of the victims attempted to escape the inferno. As the victim began to collapse, Agent Carroll and a third agent caught him and assisted him to safety. Agent Carroll’s actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.
 
Francisco F. Gonzales
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego, CA
In the early morning hours of April 26, 2020, Border Patrol Agent Francisco Gonzales was in a carpool travelling on Interstate 15 with two other agents when they witnessed a major vehicle accident. One car had struck a guardrail and erupted into flames. Without hesitation, the agents jumped into action. Agent Gonzales instructed another agent to call 911. Agent Gonzales and a third agent then jumped over the center divider and ran across the interstate to the flaming vehicle. Agent Gonzales saw that the driver and passenger were on fire. Beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, Agent Gonzales approached the vehicle and opened the door. The sudden burst of heat forced Agent Gonzales back but allowed one of the victims to escape the inferno. As the victim began to collapse, Agent Gonzales and a third agent caught him and assisted him to safety. Agent Gonzales’ actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol.

1926

William W. McKee
Date of Birth:                      July 3, 1886
Entered on Duty:                February 27, 1926
Title:                                     Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                     April 23, 1926

Details:
On April 23, 1926, information was received that a liquor pack train had left Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, for the United States and on that date would be at or near the Alhambre Ranch about 40 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona. Near the ranch, officers of the Border Patrol saw such a pack train, and in an attempt to capture it, Patrol Inspector McKee was shot and killed at the wheel of a patrol car. The smugglers fired from ambush while being pursued by Inspector McKee. The smuggler responsible for killing Inspector McKee was later convicted of first-degree murder.
 
Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $49 per month.

Gravesite

Good morning,

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​

The structure of the U.S. Border Patrol's (USBP) rank insignia might be mind-boggling as can be seen on the USBP's Wikipedia page, but have you ever wondered about its origin and evolution? As I was gathering my research to present in this blog, I realized I had already delved into this topic in "This Week in USBP History. Vol. 59" back in October 2022. I encourage you to read that blog post to learn how the Patrol's rank insignia has evolved through the decades.

Interestingly, the modern rank insignia of the Border Patrol isn't based on a position's pay grade, which typically reflects the scope and complexity of a role. Instead, it is title-centric and closely tied to the perceived prestige of a position. For instance, a GS-13 supervising fewer than 10 people wears the same insignia as a GS-15 responsible for over 600 people. Similarly, a GS-15 Chief Patrol Agent of the Ramey Sector, with fewer than 100 employees, wears a two-star insignia, while some Senior Executive Service (SES) Deputy Chief Patrol Agents and SES HQ Deputy Directorate Chiefs wear a one-star insignia.

This prestige-based system arguably diminishes the recognition that the military-style rank insignia aimed to provide for supervisory and staff Border Patrol agents, as stated in 1980 memo that implemented military style rank insignia in the Patrol. In contrast, the Office of Field Operations (OFO) has a more logical rank insignia system based primarily on pay grade. For example, an OFO employee with silver eagles is a GS-14, while one with a silver star is a GS-15. Those wearing two or more silver stars are members of the Senior Executive Service. You can find more information about OFO's rank insignia in the final two pages of this document.  I have created a table based off the document below.

Our journey through the USBP's history starts in 1918, with the Commissioner-General and Frank Berkshire discussing the creation of the Border Patrol. Pith helmets were authorized for wear in 1930, and legislative action was introduced to build a new USBP Academy in 1956. The title of "Border Patrol Inspector" was changed to "Border Patrol Agent" in 1970, and much more!

We celebrate eleven Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions.

​We remember six of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.

Enjoy and have a great week!

​Cliff
PS - 

• As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
• As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages.
• Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

A new section that I hope you'll enjoy!

This fascinating photograph from the late 1930s, compliments of the Border Patrol Museum, was taken in front of the famous Camp Chigas. It is noteworthy for a few reasons. Firstly, it showcases the different uniforms approved at that time. All the inspectors are wearing Pershing hats, which were phased out in the early 1940s. Every inspector, regardless of their rank, donned shoulder ornaments and collar discs. There are no puttees (leather wraps for the lower legs) visible, suggesting the photo was taken after 1936. Interestingly, only one person is seen wearing a rank insignia. The individual fourth from the left has loops on their sleeve, the insignia of a Senior Patrol Inspector.

​Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.

• An organization’s values are codified in its awards system. Recognizing the achievements, service and heroism of employees is important.  It is critical for those in positions of leadership to value the workforce.  Awards are a fundamental manner for leaders to demonstrate appreciation to the workforce for upholding the organizational values. – U.S. Border Patrol Honorary Awards

2000

Walter M. Davenport
Senior Patrol Agent 
Border Patrol Tactical Unit 
James D. Goldman ​ - Award Statuette
Assistant District Director of Investigations
Miami District Office
Jonathan P. Miller
Senior Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit 
Ruben Miranda
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent 
Border Patrol Tactical Unit 
Charles L. Sachs
Senior Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Mickey A. Valdez
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Casey S. Wilson
Immigration Agent (Enforcement) 
Miami, Florida
James L. Wolynetz Jr.          
Immigration Agent (Enforcement) 
Miami, Florida
Betty A. Mills
Special Agent
Miami, Florida
Steven J. Pastor
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Charles C. Whitmire
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Border Patrol Tactical Unit
Eleven Immigration and Naturalization Service employees were recognized for their involvement in Operation Reunion, the enforcement response that INS/Border Patrol conducted to safely recover Elian Gonzalez and reunite him with his father conducted on April 22, 2000.

1919

Clarence M. Childress
Date of Birth:                     January 21, 1877
Entered on Duty:               February 16, 1918
Title:                                    Mounted Watchman
End of Watch:                    April 16, 1919

Details:
At 3:00 a.m. on April 13, 1919, Mounted Watchman Clarence M. Childress and his partner, Mounted Watchman Leroy D. Straw, were on duty near Monument 9, known as “The Island,” near El Paso, Texas. The officers observed a man come near the line on the Mexican side. A few seconds later, three men ran from the United States side into Mexico and joined the man waiting there. The group then moved several hundred feet into Mexico. A few minutes later, seven men came to the line, which at that point was marked by a barbed wire fence. Two of the seven men held it down with their feet while the other five crossed to the American side with sacks on their backs. The officers made a challenging run at the smugglers and the two who had remained on the line immediately opened fire while the other five dropped the sacks they were carrying and ran toward Mexico. The officers returned fire and all seven of the smugglers ran further into Mexico, disappearing over the mesa. While the officers were pursuing the smugglers, Childress said, “I am hit and going to telephone.” Officer Straw proceeded to the point where the smugglers had abandoned their contraband where he remained, expecting Childress to return.
 
When Childress failed to return, Mounted Watchman Straw became concerned and proceeded to a house where a telephone was available. There he learned that Childress had been seriously wounded and was being cared for pending the arrival of an ambulance. An emergency operation was performed, but he failed to recover. Death occurred at 9:10 a.m. on the morning of April 16, 1919.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $60.50 per month for her and their two children. Then $38.50 per month for her only.
​
​Gravesite


1927

Thad  Pippin
Date of Birth:                       October 16, 1889
Entered on Duty:                  May 17, 1926
Title:                                       Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                       April 21, 1927

Details:
Patrol Inspector Thad Pippin, El Paso, Texas, met his death in the mountains near Pelea, New Mexico, on the night of April 21, 1927, during the course of a gunfight in which he and a brother officer were engaged with smugglers.  Patrol Inspector Crossett, who was with him, was wounded four times. 

​On information that contraband was being smuggled into the United States, a number of Patrol Inspectors, including Inspector Pippin, went to Pelea, New Mexico. Just before dark, they discovered a pack train approaching along a trail at some distance.  The officers divided into two teams and guarded their respective trails until after dark, when they heard rapid shooting.  Officers arrived and found Officer Crossett shot four times and in urgent need of medical attention.  Officer Pippin was located and had fallen down an embankment after having been shot and killed. Nineteen gallons of liquor and two burros were seized at the time but none of the smuggling party was apprehended.

Gravesite


1960

Archie L. Jennings
Date of Birth:                     May 6, 1923
Entered on Duty:               October 15, 1956
​Title:                                    Patrol Inspector
 End of Watch:                   April 16, 1960
 
Details:
On April 16, 1960, Patrol Inspectors Robert M. Chaldu, Archie L. Jennings, and Gordon G. Hanks were assigned to duty from midnight to 8:00 a.m. at a traffic checkpoint known as San Mateo Flats, on Highway 101, about 18 miles north of Oceanside, California. The operation was concerned primarily with locating deportable aliens and alien smugglers who were enroute from the border to interior destinations. All vehicular traffic was stopped and inspected with a view to determining the citizenship status of the occupants.
 
At about 6:40 a.m., an automobile went through the checkpoint without slowing down, whereupon Inspector Chaldu pursued the car in a patrol vehicle. At that time, Inspector Jennings was manning the traffic check at the stop sign where vehicles are halted. A car driven by Mr. Francis J. Defazio approached the stop sign, and his car was struck from behind by a speeding automobile operated by Mr. Gabriel Montoya. On impact, Mr. Defazio's car went out of control and struck Inspector Jennings, knocking him 50 feet away.
 
Inspector Jennings was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The cause of death was listed as basilar fractures of the skull. In addition, he suffered numerous contusions, fractures and lacerations.

​Gravesite


1978

Jose P. Gamez, Jr.
Date of Birth:                     January 3, 1947
Entered on Duty:               October 4, 1976
Title:                                    Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                    April 21, 1978
 
Details:
Patrol Agent Jose P. Gamez, Jr. was working 4:00 p.m. to 12 midnight in the area of an isolated check gate on the Maverick County Irrigation Canal in the Quemado Valley, 25 miles north of Eagle Pass, Texas.
 
Patrol Agent Frank J. Lugo, with whom Gamez was working, reported him missing late on April 21, 1978. According to Agent Lugo, he had become separated from Gamez while they were attempting to apprehend four or five undocumented aliens.
 
Agent Gamez's body was recovered from the canal the next morning and it was presumed he had fallen into the canal and drowned. A few days later, the Bexar County Medical Examiner's report revealed Agent Gamez had been choked, probably with a board, and dragged to the canal by an unknown assailant or assailants. He was dead when he was thrown into the water.

​Gravesite


1995

Joe R. White
Date of Birth:                   November 19, 1954
Entered on Duty:             July 5, 1988
Title:                                  Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                 April 18, 1995
    
Details:
On April 18, 1995, Laredo North Border Patrol Agent Joe R. White passed away early in the morning after suffering an apparent heart attack while on duty at the IH-35 checkpoint. Agent White was transported to Doctors Hospital by ambulance, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
 
Agent White was a 7-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol and a graduate of the 223rd Border Patrol Academy class. He was a canine handler assigned K-9 Brutus. Prior to Brutus, Agent White was the handler for Benno, who was one of the original K-9 assigned to the Laredo Sector.
 
During his 3 1/2 year tenure as a canine handler, Agent White made 155 narcotic seizures worth $8,836,512, seized $126,800 in U.S. currency, and located 1,701 undocumented aliens.

Burial Details Unknown


2016

Jose D. Barraza
Date of Birth                       April 13, 1987
Entered on Duty:                August 8, 2008
Title:                                     Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                     April 18, 2016
     
Details:
On April 18, 2016, Border Patrol Agent Canine Handler Jose D. Barraza was killed in the line of duty in a two-vehicle accident near Sierra Blanca, Texas.
 
Agent Barraza entered on duty on August 8, 2008, as a member of U.S. Border Patrol Academy Class 800. He was assigned to the Sierra Blanca Station.
 
Agent Barraza was 29 years old and is survived by his wife, two children and his mother.

​Gravesite

Initial Approaches
 
Back in 2007, the Patrol was considering a revamp of its rank insignia hierarchy. Intrigued by the idea, I decided to delve into the subject and try to come up with a well-thought-out and logical proposal. To start, I mapped out all of the Patrol's positions and, to my astonishment, there were thirty-six in total!
 
The Military Approach
 
My initial approach was to examine the military and determine the percentage of forces occupying each pay grade, intending to apply the same logic to the Patrol. Here are the approximate numbers I found:

Maybe this will motivate the HQ folks to do better and to develop a more coherent and logical Border Patrol rank structure. 

Now to the history!  In 1904, Jeff Milton was appointed a Chinese Inspector.  The Father of the Border Patrol opined on the merging of customs and immigration functions in 1922.  The birth of the USBP Pistol Team happens in 1935 and much more!

There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week.  However, please see the 1981 recipients for the Newton-Azrak Award.  No dates are given for any of their actions.  Five of the 26 non-USBP Newton-Azrak Award recipients were from 1981.

​We remember Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins on the anniversary of his death.

Enjoy and have a great week!

​Cliff
PS - 

• As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
• As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages.
• Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

There are no known Newton-Azrak Award anniversaries for the week.  However, please see the 1981 recipients for the Newton-Azrak Award.  No dates are given for any of their actions.  Five of the 26 non-USBP Newton-Azrak Award recipients were from 1981.


George Fernandez Jr.
Border Patrol Agent 
San Diego Sector
Border Patrol Agent George Fernandez Jr. was recognized for his courage in jumping into the driver’s seat of a run-away van in time to steer it out of the path of an oncoming truck.  As a result, five persons, including two children, were saved from death or certain injury.


John Gallo
Interpreter
New York, New York
John B. Knowles
Investigator
New York, New York
Joseph Occhipinti
Investigator
New York, New York

• ​Occhipinti was convicted in 1991 of conspiracy to violate civil rights under color of law.  His sentence was commuted by President H.W. Bush and he was pardoned in 2020 by President Trump.

Reginald D. Ricks
Investigator
New York, New York
Interpreter John Gallo, Investigator John B. Knowles, Investigator Joseph Occhipinti and Investigator Reginald D. Ricks were recognized for their participation in several highly complex and dangerous undercover bribery-corruption investigations resulting in some of the most noteworthy arrests and convictions in the history of the INS.


Edwin Rodriguez
Criminal Investigator
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Investigator Edwin Rodriguez was recognized for aiding local police by capturing an assailant who had mortally wounded a police officer.

As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 154* fallen.
Titles

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 49 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
• 101 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
• 1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

​The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.
 
The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.
 
Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:

• National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
• Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
• Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

Agent Gigax is buried in Florida's 5th Congressional District. I have contacted Congressman John Rutherford for assistance in this case.  Please contact the Congressman Rutherford if you would like to help.

2021

Christopher Shane Simpkins
Date of Birth:                       September 23, 1972                              
Entered on Duty:                 July 6, 1997
Title:                                      Border Patrol Agent 
End of Watch:                      April 12, 2021
 
Details: 
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Shane Simpkins passed away on April 12, 2021.  The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who agreed that this death occurred in the line of duty.  Agent Simpkins will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger.
 
Agent Simpkins entered on duty on July 6, 1997 at the Falfurrias Station, McAllen Sector, Texas, as part of the 342nd Session of the Border Patrol Academy.  At the time of his passing, he was assigned to the Lake Charles Station in the New Orleans Sector.
 
A native of Selma, Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama, Agent Simpkins also honorably served his country in the National Guard as a military police officer.  He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents and two brothers.
 
Gravesite

Good morning,

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​

Today's blog will focus on the significance of recognizing special operators within the Patrol, particularly agents with BORTAC (Border Patrol Tactical Unit) and BORSTAR (Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue Unit). Despite their preference to remain "silent professionals," it's essential to acknowledge and appreciate their contributions to the Border Patrol's mission, especially considering the incredibly dangerous missions they often undertake

The Value of Recognition:
Just like the story of Border Patrol Agent Cary Scott and many others like him, whose acts of heroism eventually received the recognition they deserved, it's vital to understand that acknowledging these agents' sacrifices and achievements is about more than just giving credit where it's due. It's also about fostering pride, loyalty, and motivation among the workforce.  Not just within the specialties of the Patrol, but throughout the entire Patrol.

A few years ago, I had the chance to speak with a ranking BORTAC agent. During our conversation, he told me that the agents assigned to the Border Patrol's Special Operations Group (SOG), were silent professionals who didn't want, seek, or need recognition.  I acknowledged what he said, but told him that given the nature of their work, that SOG agents should be swimming in seas of colorful ribbons.  They should receive their due recognition.

Before I retired in 2020, I sent the Border Patrol Special Operations Group (SOG) enough USBP Achievement Medal sets to recognize over 90% of their workforce. Unfortunately, by my last count, they had only awarded USBP Achievement Medals to two employees. It's important to note that BORTAC and BORSTAR agents are frequently involved in incredibly dangerous missions that would easily qualify for a USBP Honorary Award, including  the Newton-Azrak Award, the USBP Commendation Medal, and the USBP Achievement Medal.  Since they are deployed to the action areas, I expect them to be among the highest decorated agents in the Patrol.

​Although BORTAC and BORSTAR agents may see themselves as "silent professionals" who don't actively seek or need recognition, the Patrol must remember that organizationally and culturally, acknowledging their work is incredibly important. By recognizing these agents, the Patrol drives beneficial organizational culture by highlighting a group who upholds Honor First, more so than any other group though their act of heroism and valor.

Learning from Military Special Operators:
The importance of recognizing such professionals is not unique to the Border Patrol. Military special operators, like Navy Seals and Army Delta Force, also consider themselves "silent professionals." Despite their inclination to stay out of the spotlight, these operators often receive recognition for their remarkable accomplishments. These acknowledgments serve as reminders of the sacrifices they make and the dedication they demonstrate in fulfilling their duties.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this blog aims to emphasize the remarkable accomplishments of BORTAC and BORSTAR agents and the significance of acknowledging their efforts.  The intention is not to cast a negative light on leadership, but rather to underline that these agents are, first and foremost, Patrol Agents, recognized under the same system as the rest of the workforce through the USBP Honorary Awards Program. While I have not delved into specific instances of heroism and valor, it is important for us to understand that such acts are nearly a daily occurrence within SOG.  It is imperative to better recognize the exceptional work of these dedicated agents to ensure that they receive the acknowledgment they so rightfully deserve.

Now to the history!

​This week starts with a 1904 letter from the Secretary of Commerce and Labor concerning the appointment of Jeff Milton as a Chinese Inspector. There's a 1922 memo concerning the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration Service.  And much more...  But most significantly, April 8 commemorates the 47th anniversary of women joining the ranks of Border Patrol Agents. Class 107 began with six women, and ultimately, four would graduate from this class, marking a historic milestone in the agency's history.

We celebrate five Newton-Azrak Award recipients on the anniversaries of their actions.

​We remember two of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths.

Enjoy and have a fantastic week!

​Cliff
PS - 

• As an open and continuous invitation to current and former USBP employees, I am always accepting photos to post in the USBP Photo Galleries and in the Upholding Honor First pages.  I sure would appreciate you visiting those pages and sending me anything that you think I could post (just send them to cliff@honorfirst.com).
• As always, make sure to explore all of the hyperlinks to the documents and pages.
• Finally, please forward this blog to whomever you think may enjoy it.

1904

• On April 5, 1904, the Secretary of Commerce and Labor wrote a letter to Marcus A. Smith (1851-1924) informing Mr. Smith of the appointment of Jeff Milton (1861-1947) as a Chinese Inspector.  The Secretary’s letter was response to a February 23, 1904 letter of recommendation from Mr. Smith.
  • Contrary to Border Patrol lore, ​as per documents that supported Jeff Milton's retirement in 1932, he was neither a Border Patrol Inspector nor a member of the Border Patrol.  He was a well-known law enforcement officer in the El Paso District, which encompasses modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.  It is thought that the leaders of the newly formed Border Patrol used Jeff Milton's rugged independence as an example for new inspectors to follow.  This led to lore mistakenly identifying him as the first Border Patrol Inspector.​

1922

• On April 5, 1932, the Inspector in Charge of in San Diego, California, Daniel Shepard Kuykendall (1881-1945), wrote a multipage memo addressing the enforcement cooperation between the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration Service.  He also disagreed with a suggestion that the merging of the two organizations could result in efficiencies through the reduction of manpower.  The last paragraph in the memo references the “Border Patrol” idea of future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) which would be realized about two years after this letter.  

1928

• On April 7, 1928, the Jacksonville District Director wrote a report to the Commissioner-General concerning the district’s manpower, assignments and locations.  The district had three sub-districts, Tallahassee, West Palm Beach and Tampa.  (Sub-districts would be renamed sectors in the 1940’s). This is the earliest, most complete report know for the area that is now Miami Sector.

1929

• On April 3, 1929, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) issued a memo concerning the care, condition and operation of motor vehicles.  The El Paso District contained three sub-districts that correspond to modern day Tucson, El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.

1930

• On April 2, 1930, a gunfight occurred between Border Patrol Inspectors and alcohol smugglers in which smuggler Lorenzo Galindo was fatally shot. This collection of documents describes the brief gunfight where a total of five shots were fired. Inspectors involved in the gunfight:
  • Senior Patrol Inspector Joseph F. Thomas
  • Patrol Inspector Tom P. Isbell (1905-1983), the link includes a photo of him in a USBP uniform.

1935 

• On April 4, 1935, the District Director of the Jacksonville wrote a memo concerning the courses of study in two of the district’s three sub-districts.  The Jacksonville memo was in response to a memo written December 22, 1934, by Supervisor (Chief) of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly (1903-1969) requesting information concerning the manner in which new Border Patrol Inspectors were trained. Jacksonville stated that they opened courses of study to train Border Patrol Inspectors in the following locations:
  • Tampa Sub-district on February 5, 1935
  • Miami Sub-district on February 19, 1935

1936

• On April 7, 1936, Supervisor (Chief) of the Border Patrol Willard Kelly wrote a clarification memo concerning positions (ranks) within the Border Patrol.  The memo makes the unofficial position of “Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector” an official position.  It also makes two classes of Chief Patrol Inspectors, a concept that still exists today with GS-15 and SES Chief Patrol Agents (even though they share the same two-star rank insignia).  Further, the memo references the position of “District Supervisor of Border Patrol”.  Although not defined in the memo, the position of Assistant Superintendent, originally created in General Order 61, may have been renamed District Supervisor of Border Patrol with this memo.

1953

• On April 2, 1953, Assistant Commissioner (former Chief of the Border Patrol) Willard Kelly wrote a memo the District Director of the San Antonio District concerning, “The need for a fence at Brownsville, Texas to form a barrier against illegal entry or aliens.”  This memo was a cover memo for a 7-page report concerning “the need construction of boundary fence and observation towers in vicinity of Brownsville, Texas-Matamoros, Mexico to control illegal traffic.”  The document is a “condensed report taken from a 29-page report submitted by Patrol Inspector in Charge Snow.”  The first two paragraphs which were written 70 years ago, seem just as applicable today.
  • The illegal traffic across the practically dry Rio Grande River bed within the area encompassed by the city limits of Brownsville, Texas and the neighboring city of Matamoros, Tamps., Mexico has reached such proportions that the construction of a boundary fence seems to be not only necessary and justified but also almost imperative. I know of no other way to cope with the situation. It is already completely beyond the ability of the presently authorized strength of the Brownsville Border Patrol unit to control, and grows worse steadily.
  • The seriousness of this situation lies not only in the fact that such large numbers of aliens are violating our Immigration laws to the point or making a farce or them, but that this disgraceful situation has become a public spectacle with thousands of out of state visitors from all over the nation witnessing and photographing these brazen mass violations of our laws in open daylight.

1955

• In recognition of the importance of intelligence and the need for trained officers functioning in a systematic, uniform manner, the first Border Patrol Intelligence Training School was convened in El Paso, Texas, on April 7, 1955. Seasoned officers who had demonstrated an aptitude for this type of activity were selected and attended a course which included organizational structure, aims, responsibilities and techniques.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1975

• The new era for the U.S. Border Patrol began on April 8, 1975, when for the first time in its fifty-one-year history, six women were among the trainees who would undergo training to become Border Patrol Agents as part of U.S. Border Patrol Academy Session 107 held April 8 to July 31, 1975 at Los Fresnos, Texas. At the time, Session 107 was the largest Academy class ever held, with 223 trainees.​​
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco​
  • ​On April 8, 1975, six trailblazing women began their training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Session 107 in Los Fresnos, Texas.  On July 31, 1972, the following four made history by successfully completing their training and becoming Border Patrol Agents:
    • Christine G. Davis (Gee) - Chula Vista Sector
    • Gail Durand - Yuma Sector
    • Doris H. Griffin - Yuma Sector
    • Leslie A. Mullins - Yuma Sector
  • See this document.

1993

John K. Crowther
Border Patrol Agent
Del Rio Sector
Border Patrol Agent John K. Crowther was recognized for his courage in attempting to rescue two men from the Rio Grande River.  On the night of April 6, 1993, Agent Crowther was performing river patrol when he spotted three individuals attempting to illegally enter the U.S. at a weir dam located upriver from the Del Rio, Texas International Bridge.  Two of the subjects tried to get away by diving into the water near the dam.  This part of the river, filled with strong currents and dangerous undertows, had caused numerous drowning deaths.  Knowing the danger involved and putting his own life at risk, Agent Crowther entered the water and attempted to rescue the two men.  He managed to grab one of the men and pull him to safety.  Agent Crowther tried to rescue the other man but could not locate him.  Agent Crowther put his own life at risk to save another person from certain death, exhibiting great courage with his act of heroism.


1994

Jorge Arballo
Border Patrol Agent
El Centro Sector
Forrest J. Mauldin
Border Patrol Agent
El Centro Sector
At approximately 12:15 a.m. on April 8, 1994, Agents Marshall Tjaden and Forrest J. Mauldin observed a group of nine suspected narcotics smugglers approximately one mile west of Drop 4 on the All American Canal.  The nine suspects were ferrying large bundles of contraband, in this case marijuana, across the canal in a rubber raft.  Agents Tjaden and Mauldin advised SBPA Donn Hoberg of the situation, who then instructed Agents Arballo and Lee to respond and assist Agents Mauldin and Tjaden.
 
At the point on the canal where this activity was taking place, the canal is approximately one hundred yards wide, deep, and had an extremely swift moving current.  It should also be pointed out that on this particular night, the weather conditions were poor.  The wind was strong, gusting up to 30 miles per hour and the temperature was in the forties.   
 
Agents Tjaden and Mauldin maintained surveillance on the group until all nine suspects, with large bundles of contraband and the rubber raft were all out of the canal and on the north side of the north berm of the canal.  Agents Tjaden and Mauldin began to sneak up on the group and got into position less than eight feet from them.  They made their move and apprehended two of the nine suspects and 366.5 pounds of marijuana.
 
While Agents Tjaden and Mauldin were securing the apprehension scene and checking the immediate area for the seven suspects who had fled, they heard screams coming from the direction of the canal.  Agent Tjaden climbed to the 40-foot berm and saw an individual in the berm.  The person was screaming for help and appeared to be drowning.  Agent Tjaden called for Agent Mauldin to assist him.  Agent Mauldin climbed to the top of the berm while Agent Tjaden ran down to the canal bank.
 
At this point, Agents Arballo, Lee, and SBPA Hoberg arrived on the scene.  Agent Mauldin guided Agent Arballo to his location on the north side of the canal.  He then directed Agent Lee and SBPA Hoberg to the south side of the canal as the drowning man appeared closer to that side.  Agent Tjaden was telling the man in the water not to fight the current, but to swim with it.
 
Agents Arballo and Mauldin were preparing to make another rescue attempt.  This time, the drowning man was able to grab onto a small outcropping of brush, which slowed him down considerably.
 
Without hesitation, Agent Arballo again jumped into the icy water while Agent Mauldin anchored the tow strap.  This time, Agent Arballo was successful in reaching the man.  He grabbed the man and yelled for Agent Mauldin to start pulling.  Agent Mauldin pulled as hard as he could, and after several minutes, managed to pull Agent Arballo and the drowning victim to safety.
 
Because of the extremely cold water, the distance they had traveled, which was over one mile, and because this entire ordeal had lasted approximately 30 minutes, Agents Arballo and Mauldin were physically exhausted.
 
Agents Arballo and Mauldin acted on instinct more than anything else. They disregarded the fact that a large load of narcotics had just been apprehended and the fact that the drowning man was probably one of the drug smugglers.  They saw a person in desperate need of help, rushed to his aid, and saved his life.
 
What Agents Arballo and Mauldin did was extremely dangerous.  However, they acted without hesitation.  They thought about what there were going to do, planned their moves, and executed them to the best of their ability.


2001

Benjamin Sanford
Senior Patrol Agent
El Centro Sector
On April 2, 2001, Senior Patrol Agent Benjamin Sanford was patrolling a stretch of the All American Canal, near Calexico, California, monitoring the border fence for people attempting to enter the country illegally from Mexico. A concerned citizen frantically approached him to report that a car had just plummeted into the canal. Agent Sanford immediately called his colleagues at the Calexico Station for assistance, and then drove to the crash site. When he arrived at the scene, he saw a partially submerged car and a woman flailing in a fight against the swift currents. Realizing he could not wait for help to arrive, and giving little regard to his own well-being, he dove into the water, swam to the woman, and dragged her to shore. His heroic actions saved her from certain death.


2022

Marco A. Perez Jr. - photo, award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
San Diego, CA
On April 6, 2021, at approximately 6:58 A.M., beyond the call of duty, Border Patrol Agent Marco Perez put his own life at great personal risk and acted without hesitation to save a woman from certain death as she attempted to end her life.  By leaning over the edge of the 459 foot Pine Valley Bridge and grabbing the suicidal victim that had just let go, Agent Perez placed himself in great personal danger.  Agent Perez's conspicuous lifesaving actions brought great credit upon himself and the U.S. Border Patrol.

As of March 6, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 154* fallen.
Titles

• 3 Mounted Watchmen fell before 1924 and are carried as Border Patrol fallen
• 49 Border Patrol Inspectors fell between 1924 and 1970
• 101 Border Patrol Agents have fallen since 1970
• 1 Enforcement Analysis Specialist

​The names that appear below hold a place of honor. They have made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to fulfill the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America.
 
The facts regarding each officer are presented without major editing of the "language of the day" found in the reports detailing the circumstances of each event. This is done to provide the reader an association with historical timeframes.
 
Employees who died in the line of duty due to being exposed to deadly illnesses will not have the cause of death listed.
 
I will note that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax is not recognized as officially fallen by Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. The Border Patrol Foundation and the Border Patrol Museum also fail to recognize him. He is remembered by all except organizations containing "Border Patrol" in their title. He is remembered by the:

• National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial (see this link),
• Officer Down memorial Page (see this link), and
• Texas Peace Officer's Memorial (see this link).

 
The U.S. Border Patrol, the Border Patrol Foundation, and the Border Patrol Museum should fix their oversight. 
 
HonorFirst.com remembers and lists Agent Gigax among the fallen.

1925

Joseph P. Riley
Date of Birth:                     October 23, 1894                                                     
Entered on Duty:               October 8, 1924
Title:                                    Patrol Inspector
End of Watch:                    April 6, 1925

Details:
During the evening of April 4, 1925, Patrol Inspectors William A. Blundell and Joseph P. Riley were patrolling in a government-owned car about 1 1/2 miles from Eureka, Montana, when the tie rod broke, causing the automobile to leave the roadway. The vehicle continued over a high bank and then into a ditch and turned over, pinning Inspector Riley under the steering wheel. Patrol Inspector Blundell was not seriously injured.
 
Patrol Inspector Riley sustained a fractured cervical vertebra and a spinal cord injury. He was conveyed to the Eureka Hospital, which was nearest the scene of the accident. The attending physician advised that Inspector Riley's condition was so serious that facilities were not available for providing proper attention at Eureka and he recommended moving the patient to Spokane, Washington. On April 5, Inspector Riley was transported by train to Spokane, Washington, where he was placed in the Sacred Heart Hospital. He succumbed at 6:00 a.m. on April 6, 1925, from respiratory paralysis.

Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother received $20 per month for 8 years

​Gravesite


2001

Jason C. Panides
Date of Birth:                    December 27, 1974
Entered on Duty:              March 9, 1998
Title:                                   Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch:                   April 4, 2001
 
Details:
On Wednesday, April 4, 2001, at 12:36 a.m., Border Patrol Agent Jason C. Panides was killed after assisting in the apprehension of a group of illegal aliens on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo, Texas. Agent Panides was in the southbound lane of the east access road when he was struck by a southbound truck. He was killed instantly.
 
Agent Panides was a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and was a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in criminal justice and psychology. He was a graduate of the 368th session of the Border Patrol Academy at Glynco, Georgia. At the time of his death, he was stationed at the Laredo North Border Patrol Station.

​Gravesite