June 26 - July 2Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! I thought I’d start this week’s update by repeating an answer to a question that was posed to me, “Why do you do this?” That question was in reference to helping Ray Harris manage HonorFirst.com, moderate the Applicant's Forum and Agent’s Forum, regularly contacting some you active folks, and generally remaining very engaged with the U.S. Border Patrol. For example, it takes me over two hours to create these weekly updates (and I still don’t catch all of the typos). Here’s the answer... <cue the patriotic music>… The last three years of my career my motivation for doing the job, and pushing my chain of command was because I cared, in an Esprit de Corps sense, for the Patrol and the workforce (uniformed and non-uniformed). Interestingly, in a know thyself moment, I realized that I cared about the workforce more than the work. I cared more about those doing and who had done the job, than the job. That's what keeps me here. That's why I send emails to the active folks, author these emails, take daily USBP phone calls/emails, etc... I care because I care about the U.S. Border Patrol and its current and former employees, just like you. I send emails to current leadership and take calls nearly everyday, in the belief that I may have just a smidgeon of influence to make the being part of the USBP better for the workforce (past and present). The value to me is intrinsic. I makes me feel good to do good for “them". It makes me feel good when I can right wrongs or merely offer assistance. Before I retired I used to say, “I’m an unapologetic advocate for the workforce.” In retirement, I realize that I never shed that identity. <patriotic music fades to silence> Thank you for your patience. Now to the update! Notice that I've added a bit of commentary in the Esprit de Corps section. Take a short moment to read it. No matter where you work, the concepts are transferable. The main highlight this week are:
We also remember the anniversaries of the actions that led to four agents receiving Newton-Azrak Awards. Three of those agents also were awarded the USBP Purple Cross for wounds received in the scope of duty. Finally, we remember fallen Border Patrol Inspector Charles F. Inch. Have a great week! Cliff PS -
It's easy to scroll by this section as you get to the meat of the email. But realize, I purposely include this section every time because I think it's important. Organizations that lack organizational pride and high employee morale (Esprit de Corps) are not as effective and successful as otherwise possible. They will forever fail to meet full potential. Those in positions of leadership have the obligation and responsibility to be vigilant in driving organizational pride and addressing employee perceptions. If not, the organization can be likened to a ship without a rudder that is destined to run aground on the rocks of low retention, high attrition and a multitude of other issues. The definition of Esprit de Corps below is meant to be a guide and a constant reminder. Without comprehensive, deliberate and sincere effort by leadership, Esprit de Corps will slowly deteriorate. Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees. The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale. Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees. Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps. Documents/Events 1924
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1989 Charles A. Rodgers Jr. Border Patrol Pilot Del Rio Sector On July 2, 1988, while patrolling the Rio Grande River near Del Rio, Texas via Service helicopter, Border Patrol Pilot Charles A. Rodgers Jr. located three persons, one male and two females, who had recently landed on the United States side of the river illegally by the use of tire inner tubes. As he circled the area, he advised the party of three, utilizing the helicopter public address system, against attempting to return to Mexico by swimming because of the depth and swiftness of the river. He noticed that the male subject, who did not heed the warning and proceeded to swim across the river towards Mexico, was having difficulty remaining above the surface. Rodgers lowered the helicopter and advised the victim to grab the landing skid. The victim managed to grasp the skid but due to exhaustion could not hold fast. Rodgers made a final attempt to save the male subject by hovering dangerously above the surface and lowered the skid into the water, but the victim apparently lost consciousness and did not surface again. He gained altitude in order to direct the rescuer and allow him to help the victim, but the rescuer was also having difficulty staying afloat. With total disregard for his personal safety, Rodgers lowered the Service helicopter perilously to the surface of the river. The rescuer was able to clutch the skid and was taken to safety on the Mexican shoreline. 1995 Juanita Santana - photo Border Patrol Agent Tucson Sector On June 29, 1995, Border Patrol Agent Juanita Santana of the Tucson Border Patrol Station, was assigned to patrol a major smuggling route south of Tucson, Arizona. Shortly after 5:00 p.m., Agent Santana observed a suspicious vehicle and conducted a normal vehicle stop. When she reached the rear door of the car, the driver, without warning, pointed a handgun out of his window and immediately began firing at her. Two shots struck her in the chest directly over her heart. Both bullets were stopped by a bulletproof vest she was wearing. A third shot struck her left forearm and completely penetrated it below the elbow. The fourth shot struck her ammunition pouch, which was fastened to her gun belt. This fourth bullet disintegrated on impact and Agent Santana was struck in the abdomen by shrapnel from the bullet. Although struck four times and seriously wounded, Agent Santana drew her revolver and returned fire at the driver. Agent Santana ran back to her patrol vehicle and immediately began to pursue the fleeing suspects. She radioed for assistance and informed the Communications Center that she had been shot. Even though she was injured and bleeding heavily, she maintained her composure and clearly broadcast all pertinent suspect information. She also received the USBP Purple Cross for this action. 2005 Christopher D. Brinkhoff Border Patrol Agent Tucson Sector Juan H. Villa Border Patrol Agent Tucson Sector Border Patrol Agent Christopher D. Brinkhoff and Border Patrol Agent Juan H. Villa were recognized for extraordinary courage and valor during the performance of their duties on June 30, 2005, when they discovered evidence that there were narcotics smugglers in the remote desert area of Nogales, Arizona. At approximately 12:25 p.m., the agents encountered a group of 10 to 12 individuals. Immediately, an unknown number of the group began to fire at the agents. During the exchange of gunfire, both Agents Brinkhoff and Villa were shot in the right leg. The agents, suffering from shattered femurs, relayed via radio that they were down and needed assistance. A subsequent search of the area revealed 498.1 pounds of marijuana hidden in the brush. Both agents received USBP Purple Crosses for the action. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
1932
Charles F. Inch Date of Birth: April 8, 1902 Entered on Duty: October 14, 1930 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 26, 1932 Details: The limited information available relative to Patrol Inspector Charles F. Inch indicates that he was attempting to board a moving freight train but was thrown from it, the wheels passing over his body. He was pursuing two aliens who were attempting to enter illegally from Canada. The fatal accident occurred in the Michigan Central tunnel yard at Detroit, Michigan, on June 26, 1932. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his mother and father received $46.50 per month. Gravesite
Comments
June 19 - June 25Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! I want to start today's email with a sincere thank you to you. Thank you for letting me send these emails to you, reading them and giving me feedback. Thank you for letting me be part of the Border Patrol family even into retirement. It is incredibly meaningful for me to be able to do this. Thank you! This week brings us more interesting historic documents:
A great highlight of today is an email from retired Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Ronald Colburn where he shares the very recent loss of his mother, stories from when he was a young agent and illustrates 4 generations of Colburns patrolling the border. We remember three Newton-Azrak Award recipients, two of which are part of this email list. Also, we remember two of our fallen. Have a great week! Cliff PS -
Email from Retired Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Ronald Colburn I am incredibly fortunate to be in a position to share USBP history with so many. In doing this, I am privileged to exchange emails and telephone calls with people who have shaped and continue to contribute to the United States Border Patrol. One of these people is Ron Colburn, a great person by every definition. Yesterday, Ron sent me an email in response to last week's request for information concerning the impacts that the deaths of Border Patrol Inspector Newton and Border Patrol Inspector Azrak had on the organization, specifically in regards to checkpoint operations and initial training for new hires. He began his email by sharing that his mother, M. Diana Colburn, had sadly passed on June 17, 2022. I know that all of you join me in offering our deepest condolences. Below, with Ron's permission, I have included a lightly edited version of the email that he sent me. I have added hyperlinks that I hope are correct. It offers a great firsthand account of Ron's earliest days in the Patrol and an incredible glimpse of what may be the only family to have four generations patrolling the border. My comments are italicized. ***Email Begins*** Yesterday, my 93-year-old mother, M. Diana Colburn passed away. She was the eldest matriarch of a 4-generation family of border protectors, defenders & patrollers. She was daughter-in-law to:
Also: The Newton-Azrak incident did not uniformly change checkpoint ops. tactics, as I still stood point—middle of the night— along remote roadways, with only myself and one other Agent back in 1978-1983, @ the TCA/DGL Station. (Douglas Station in Arizona) In August 1978, I EOD’d in Tucson, AZ and was assigned to the Douglas Station. After being sworn in, filling out reams of paperwork & being driven down to Pima Uniforms (Tucson) for rough duty shirts, pants & leather gear during my first day, I was then given directions to the DGL station on the back of a paper napkin and sent on my 125-mile drive to my new duty post. I showed up the next morning, from the local landmark Gadsden Hotel, in rough duty shirt & pants, a river belt, with holster, loops, cuff case and keepers, but no pistol, badge, cuffs or ammo. I stepped in the back door of the “old” DGL BP Station at 10 till 7, and only the PAIC was there—he inquired, “Are you Colburn?” I said, “Yes, sir.” He snatched up a leather pouch & keys from his desk and tossed them at me. He growled, “You got Naco today!” (Note: Naco, now known as the Brian Terry Station, was a sub-office of the DGL Station, and was only then being staffed up for independent operations). I said, “Where’s Naco?” He said, “Just drive west 22 miles, along the border road; you can’t miss it!” I did. I ended up 45 miles to the West, in Sierra Vista, and promptly arrested 4 illegals from Mexico coming out of the brush roadside, just as I drove up on them. Being a border brat, I spoke some Spanish / Spanglish and squeezed all four into the backseat bench of my marked patrol sedan. Then, I fumbled with the unit’s radio until I raised someone on the radio (a surprised PAIC Blankenship, DGL) who dispatched the nearest available Journeyman to assist with transport & processing (I had no idea where I was and didn’t leave for the Academy until 12 days later). Evidently, they didn’t realize that I was a Border Patrol brat and actually recognized an illegal alien, so nobody was actually expecting me to arrest anyone. Mind you, I was in uniform & driving a patrol vehicle, but I had no badge, no gun, etc. They figured out that probably wasn’t a wise practice, and I spent most of the rest of the time mending barbed wire border fence; cleaning out the storage room; changing tires on patrol vehicles, and about anything else to keep me busy and “out of harm’s way,” until they could ship me off to the Academy. I remember hearing about the Newton-Azrak incident when I was about 12 years old, and we had just moved to Campo, CA from Rouses Pt., NY. — summer of ‘68 (a year after the incident). My Dad had just EOD’d at Campo as the ‘Station Second Senior’ (years later renamed ‘APAIC’). (Today the position is called Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge - DPAIC). So anyway, my point was that the tactical changes were likely local and sporadic, since some stations still practiced Newton-Azrak styled ops into the eighties, at least. That’s probably why you didn’t find any written policy. Best Regards, Ron Colburn Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees. The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale. Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees. Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps. Documents/Events 1909
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1990 Robert E. Jolicoeur Border Patrol Agent Del Rio Sector On June 21, 1990, Border Patrol Agent Robert E. Jolicoeur responded to a call for assistance from the Eagle Pass Police Department concerning a possible hostage situation. After lengthy negotiations with the heavily armed suspect by local policy authorities had failed, Agent Jolicoeur risked his life to disarm and subdue the individual. His professionalism and unselfish dedication resulted in the successful termination of a critical situation without injury or loss of life. 1994 John D. Marlborough Senior Patrol Agent El Centro Sector On June 21, 1994, agents from the Riverside Border Patrol Station were working information in the Moreno Valley area near Riverside, California. The agents were traveling down Gilman Springs Road and were passing a large onion field being harvested when agents saw several of the pickers start to run. Senior Patrol Agent John D. Marlborough obtained permission from the foreman and consent was given for the agents to check the crew. As agents were working their way through the crew of almost 100 workers, they saw another subject bolt from the group and run away. Agent Saturnino Natera pursued the individual until he dove headfirst into Mystic Lake and swam away from the shoreline. Agent Natera stopped at the water’s edge and advised the subject that, for his own safety, he should not try to evade arrest by swimming out into the lake. As the other agents kept watch on the subject, Agent Natera left to chase other abscondees. Agent Aricelia Sandoval was attempting to talk the subject out of the water when she noticed that he seemed to be having difficulty keeping his head above water. Agent John Marlborough arrived at the scene, removed his gear, and entered the lake. As he approached the subject, who at this time was almost 400 yards off the shore, he attempted to secure the person and bring him back to the shore. The subject continued to resist until he was too waterlogged to fight anymore. At the time, Agent Marlborough swam back to the shore with the semi-conscious alien in tow. The alien was removed from the water without injury and did not require first aid. It was later determined at the Border Patrol station that he was a criminal alien. Agent Marlborough risked his own life in order to save the life of an alien attempting to evade arrest. 1999 Jay Visconti - photo, statuette Border Patrol Agent San Diego Sector On June 24, 1999, Border Patrol Agent Jay Visconti observed an automobile driving erratically on northbound Interstate 15, in San Diego, California. Agent Visconti was on-duty and returning from firearms training. Agent Visconti maneuvered his marked Border Patrol sedan closer to the erratically moving automobile and was able to ascertain that the driver of the vehicle was in serious distress. Agent Visconti then observed that the front seat passenger was attempting to steer the vehicle. Agent Visconti realized that this was an extremely grave situation. Traffic was very congested during this time and there was a great deal of danger to the safety of the motoring public. Agent Visconti activated his overhead lights and created a traffic break. The erratically moving vehicle did not stop, but pulled over to the shoulder of the road and continued at a slow rate of speed. Agent Visconti pulled over and, exiting his vehicle, ran alongside of the offending vehicle until he was able to jump in through the passenger window and turn off the ignition. The driver was apparently suffering from a heart attack. Agent Visconti immediately activated the emergency medical system and proceeded to render first aid treatment. When the San Diego Police and Fire Departments arrived, the driver was in full cardiac arrest and Agent Visconti was performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on her. Tragically, the afflicted driver of the automobile did not survive. Upon being relieved of performing CPR, Agent Visconti was instrumental in directing the fast moving traffic around the scene of the stop and providing much needed support to the grieving passenger. USBP Fallen As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
1930
Robert W. Kelsay Date of Birth: January 23, 1899 Entered on Duty: July 1, 1927 Title: Senior Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 25, 1930 Details: During the night of June 25, 1930, Senior Patrol Inspector Robert W. Kelsay and another officer were watching a river crossing near Laredo, Texas. They were fired upon by liquor smugglers whom they had attempted to stop. During the gunbattle, Senior Patrol Inspector Kelsay was fatally wounded. There is no information available regarding the identity of the smugglers. Survivor benefits - As per this document, his wife received $58.33 per month. 1945 Earl F. Fleckinger Date of Birth: July 25, 1917 Entered on Duty: September 8, 1941 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 23, 1945 Details: At about 3:00 p.m. on the afternoon of June 23, 1945, Patrol Inspectors Earl F. Fleckinger and Wilbur E. Kinney were patrolling on U.S. Highway No. 98 about 1 1/2 miles east of Calexico, California, when they stopped and searched an automobile driven by a Mexican alien. Search of the automobile disclosed a quantity of liquor in the rear compartment, whereupon the alien was placed under arrest. The officers then started west toward Calexico with the alien. Inspector Fleckinger was driving the government automobile with the alien seated beside him and Inspector Kinney was following immediately behind in the alien's automobile. They had proceeded about one mile when Mr. Kinney heard two shots and observed the government automobile swerve off the road and into an adjacent canal bank. Mr. Kinney stopped the alien's car about 10 or 15 yards ahead of the government car, and while he was attempting to get out of the automobile, the alien fired four shots, which failed to hit him. Inspector Kinney pursued, caught and subdued the alien, and left him in an apparently unconscious condition lying prone in the center of the highway. Mr. Kinney then went to the aid of Inspector Fleckinger, at which time his attention was drawn back to the alien who was observed to be staggering across the international boundary into Mexico. Inspector Fleckinger was taken to a hospital in Calexico by a passerby. He had been shot in the head, which resulted in his death about 6:15 p.m. on the same day. June 12 - June 18Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! Another huge week for documents! Also, we remember the actions that led to three agents receiving Newton-Azrak Awards, one posthumously. And we remember the anniversaries of seven of our fallen... As you may have noticed, I have begun to list the the years of birth and death for each person that I mention by name. If a person's lifespan is not listed, I either could not find the information or it's listed earlier in the email (I'll only list the years the first time that I mention their name). I confirm the dates through Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com. I have a paid access to both sites. Among the anniversaries of the fallen this week are Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak who fell due to the same incident in 1967. Their memories hold a special meaning in USBP history. Their deaths are credited with:
Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak are memorialized with the USBP's highest award being named after them. Please see the HonorFirst Newton-Azrak Award page for information and links about their deaths, the award, and the recipients. As I've researched the deaths of Inspector Newton and Inspector Azrak, I was unable to locate any documents that showed that their deaths drove the changes in checkpoint manpower. The old Border Patrol Handbook, which is not authorized for public dissemination, mandates that checkpoints must be manned by a minimum of three Border Patrol Agents. I could not locate a document that showed their deaths drove those changes. If anyone has documents that link their deaths with those changes, please send them to me so I can present the best and most accurate USBP history possible. Anytime, there is an anniversary of two Agents/Inspectors being lost due to the same event, I will provide the following reminder. A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen). Their names are listed below:
Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021. However, their causes of death were not related. Have a great week! Cliff PS -
Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees. The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale. Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees. Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps. Documents/Events 1922
On June 16, 1926, the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District, Henry R. Landis (1880-1950), wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General identifying the sub-districts, stations and Border Patrol personnel assigned to his district. this is one of the earliest and most complete rosters for the area. 1927
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1996 Diego Gonzales Border Patrol Agent El Paso Sector On June 17, 1996, Border Patrol Agent Diego Gonzales was performing linewatch duties at the Franklin Headgates. At approximately 11:00 am, he patrolled his assigned area for any intrusion, and after having done so, positioned his vehicle to have a commanding view of his assignment. As he peered through his binoculars, BPA Gonzales heard what he described later as a scream or shout. He immediately responded in his vehicle to investigate and observed a subject frantically attempting to stay afloat and at the same time desperately looking for something to hang on to and avoid from being sucked into the Franklin Headgates that were approximately 25 yards away. BPA Gonzales immediately exited his vehicle having secured a life ring (flotation device) and there it out to the subject, thus managing to rescue him from the impending drowning. As he pulled him out of the concrete lined canal, the subject gasping for air was able to convey to BPA Gonzales that another individual had been sucked into the headgates. BPA Gonzales quickly called out on his hand held radio asking for assistance and notifying all concerned as to the situation at hand. As the other units arrived on the scene, he coordinated their efforts in attempting to locate and/or rescue the subject. Several minutes had transpired and agents were alerted by people on the Mexican side of the river of a subject being flushed out of the headgates and into the Rio Grande River. BPA Gonzales, without hesitation, handed SBPA Leandro M. Chavez his pistol belt and jumped into the river making his way to the subject who appeared unconscious. BPA Gonzales, along with the subject he had just rescued, managed to pull the subject to the Mexican side of the river and upon doing so, immediately commenced administering CPR. BPA Gonzales continued his efforts to revive the subject for approximately 15 minutes, at which time a Mexican EMS unit arrived and pronounced the subject dead at the scene. Due to BPA Gonzales’ attentiveness to both duty and the details of his work environment, his actions resulted in certain rescue of life from the treacherous waters of the Franklin Canal. Furthermore, he risked his own life in attempting to rescue the second individual. 1997 Stephen C. Starch Border Patrol Agent San Diego Sector Posthumously Awarded While performing assigned duties on Saturday, June 14, 1997, Border Patrol Agent Stephen C. Starch and Senior Patrol Agent Aric Curtis were patrolling the border area south of State Route 94 in the Dulzura, California area. During the mid-afternoon hours, the agents detected the foot tracks of what they believed to be a group of illegal entrant aliens traveling northbound across the Tecate Truck Trail in the immediate border area. Based upon their observations, both agents exited their Service vehicle and began following the tracks northbound on a trail, which leads into an area known as Cottonwood Canyon. Upon reaching Cottonwood Creek, agents noticed that the tracks that they had been following veered to the west and began climbing a very steep, rugged incline towards an area known as Little Tecate Peak. Agents Starch and Curtis continued to follow the tracks up the rugged mountainside, and as they approached Little Tecate Peak, they separated, each taking a different trail in an attempt to intercept the group of suspected undocumented aliens. During the next hour, Agent Curtis attempted to contact Agent Starch numerous times via Service radio, and became concerned when he received no response. Agent Curtis immediately contacted Supervisory Border Patrol Agents Wayne Rock and Brian Brown, who also attempted to contact Agent Starch to no avail. A ground search for Agent Starch began immediately, and air support from Border Patrol Air Operations, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, and the San Diego Police Department was requested, but unavailable at the time. Air space in the greater San Diego area was severely restricted due to the departure of Air Force One from North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado. Within several minutes, U.S. Customs advised that they had received clearance from the U.S. Secret Service and would respond. A short time later, the U.S. Customs air unit “Lima 55” was in the area and assisting agents on the ground. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Agent Curtis discovered Agent Starch at the base of a cliff and advised other agents of his exact location. A medical helicopter from Mercy Air was requested and responded to the scene. When Agent Curtis reached Agent Starch, he discovered that he had sustained severe head trauma and was not breathing. He immediately administered CPR, and was assisted by agents who arrived just minutes later. A U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter, summoned by U.S. Customs, was also on the scene. Due to the remote and rough terrain, it was impossible for a higher medical authority to arrive at the immediate scene before dark. After nearly an hour of CPR, the attending EMT consulted with the Flight Doctor form Mercy Air by radio, and due to the severity of his injuries, the Physician pronounced Agent Starch dead at the scene. The U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter was able to extricate Agent Starch from the extremely rugged area with their winch and gurney. He was transported directly to Scripps Hospital in La Jolla. Agents from the El Cajon Station, the San Diego Sector Evidence Team, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit returned to the scene and determined, through careful investigation, that Agent Starch had in fact accidentally fallen approximately 150 feet and sustained fatal injuries. Further examination of the incident appeared to indicate that Agent Starch had fallen shortly after separating from Agent Curtis. Investigators further concluded that there was no indication of foul play. 1999 Christopher A. Ramnes Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector On June 17, 1999, at approximately 1:00 a.m., off-duty Border Patrol Agent Christopher A. Ramnes was driving home to retrieve his video camera to memorialize the birth of his first child when he observed a vehicle approaching an intersection at a high rate of speed. The driver failed to stop, continued through the intersection, and plunged into an irrigation canal. Without hesitation, BPA Ramnes ran to the canal and jumped into the water. He reached into the submerged vehicle, grabbed a hand, and pulled a young man to the surface, then placed him onto the canal bank. He returned to the submerged vehicle two more times and extracted two more young men. Agent Ramnes summoned emergency unity to the scene and continued to search for a fourth victim. Unfortunately, the fourth young man had been ejected from the vehicle and was later recovered a few feet from the vehicle. USBP Fallen
As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
1961 Kenneth L. Carl Date of Birth: September 5, 1926 Entered on Duty: August 17, 1953 Title: Airplane Pilot End of Watch: June 18, 1961 Details: During the hours after midnight on Saturday, June 17, 1961, several jeep teams composed of Patrol Inspectors from Calexico, California, tracked two illegal aliens to an alfalfa field near El Centro, California. Personnel of the jeep patrol encircled the field and prevented possible egress of the aliens. At dawn on June 18, 1961, officers at the scene initiated a radio message to Sector for aerial patrol assistance in spotting the aliens. Pilot Kenneth L. Carl was airborne at approximately 5:30 a.m. in a Piper Supercub. He immediately initiated low observation passes over the field. In a short time, one of the illegal aliens raised his head above the level of the alfalfa and was spotted by the pilot and ground units. When the first capture had been accomplished, the Patrol Inspectors ascertained the description, dress, and name of the second alien and radioed that information to Pilot Carl. The pilot was reported to have been flying at reduced air speed and very close to the ground, when the aircraft stalled and struck the ground. Pilot Carl was pronounced dead prior to being removed from the scene of the accident. It was later ascertained that his heart had been crushed within the rib cage on impact with the instrument panel. 1967 Theodore L. Newton, Jr. Date of Birth: July 30, 1941 Entered on Duty: April 11, 1966 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 17, 1967 Details: Patrol Inspector Theodore Lawrence Newton, Jr., and Patrol Inspector (Trainee) George Frederick Azrak were found murdered in a remote deserted mountain cabin on June 19, 1967, following an intensive 48-hour search after they disappeared while on official duty. The men were kidnapped from their post during a traffic check operation near Oak Grove, California, in the early morning hours of June 17, 1967. The officers failed to report in and a hurried search failed to reveal the whereabouts of the men and their two vehicles, a jeep and a Border Patrol sedan. The Service jeep was soon located about a mile from the checkpoint. On June 19, 1967, a member of a jeep club from Hemet, California, spotted the missing Service sedan. The sedan had been covered with brush fifty feet from the deserted shack, where the posse located the bodies of the missing patrolmen. In reconstructing the crimes, it now appears that Patrol Inspectors Newton and Azrak intercepted a vehicle with over 800 pounds of marijuana. While checking this vehicle, the officers were overpowered by four convicted felons, two of whom had been following the load of marijuana in a second vehicle. The officers were then taken to the mountain cabin where they were made to lie prone with their arms extended toward each other. The right wrist of one man was handcuffed to the left wrist of the other, and vice versa. While incapacitated in this manner they were shot and killed. Autopsies performed revealed Patrol Inspector Newton had been shot once in the head while three shots were fired into Patrol Inspector Azrak, two in the head and one in the chest. Their bodies bore no marks to indicate there had been a struggle. George F. Azrak Date of Birth: June 30, 1945 Entered on Duty: May 15, 1967 Title: Patrol Inspector (Trainee) End of Watch: June 17, 1967 Details: Patrol Inspector Theodore Lawrence Newton, Jr., and Patrol Inspector (Trainee) George Frederick Azrak were found murdered in a remote deserted mountain cabin on June 19, 1967, following an intensive 48-hour search after they disappeared while on official duty. The men were kidnapped from their post during a traffic check operation near Oak Grove, California, in the early morning hours of June 17, 1967. The officers failed to report in and a hurried search failed to reveal the whereabouts of the men and their two vehicles, a jeep and a Border Patrol sedan. The Service jeep was soon located about a mile from the checkpoint. On June 19, 1967, a member of a jeep club from Hemet, California, spotted the missing Service sedan. The sedan had been covered with brush fifty feet from the deserted shack, where the posse located the bodies of the missing patrolmen. In reconstructing the crimes, it now appears that Patrol Inspectors Newton and Azrak intercepted a vehicle with over 800 pounds of marijuana. While checking this vehicle, the officers were overpowered by four convicted felons, two of whom had been following the load of marijuana in a second vehicle. The officers were then taken to the mountain cabin where they were made to lie prone with their arms extended toward each other. The right wrist of one man was handcuffed to the left wrist of the other, and vice versa. While incapacitated in this manner they were shot and killed. Autopsies performed revealed Patrol Inspector Newton had been shot once in the head while three shots were fired into Patrol Inspector Azrak, two in the head and one in the chest. Their bodies bore no marks to indicate there had been a struggle. 1985 Lester L. Haynie Date of Birth: October 13, 1945 Entered on Duty: October 14, 1975 Title: Airplane Pilot Trainee End of Watch: June 14, 1985 Details: On the morning of June 14, 1985, Pilot Lester L. Haynie had been working with ground units 12 miles west of Yuma, Arizona. Having apprehended five aliens at Dunes Siding, Pilot Haynie radioed the ground units that he was flying to another siding. There were no witnesses to the crash that occurred at 7:51 a.m., reported at 8:18 a.m. by a Southern Pacific Railroad engineer. The Border Patrol plane was upside down under San Diego Power and Light cables in Imperial County, California, 100 yards north of the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks near Dunes Siding, two miles west of Sidewinder Road. Investigation determined that Pilot Haynie had failed to gain altitude to clear the power lines. 1992 Louis D. Stahl Date of Birth: August 19, 1942 Entered on Duty: October 9, 1973 Title: Airplane Pilot End of Watch: June 13, 1992 Details: On June 13, 1992, Pilot Louis Stahl was reportedly tracking a group of illegal aliens near the railroad tracks in a mountainous area near Sunland Park, New Mexico. According to witnesses, the Hughes OH6A helicopter, piloted by Agent Stahl, dropped down and snagged a string of power lines, which hung approximately 300 feet above the tracks. The contact with the power lines tilted his aircraft to the right and into another set of utility lines. The helicopter was then thrown downward and it nose-dived into a nearby canyon, slamming upside down on the desert floor in a valley north of Mount Cristo Rey. The cockpit was demolished in the crash, and Agent Stahl was pinned underneath the wreckage. After seeing the crash, the subjects who were observed by the pilot, reportedly raced a half-mile east to go get help at the American Eagle Brick Company, where workers dialed 911. The workers then drove to the site and attempted to lift the smashed aircraft off the pilot. Shortly thereafter, firefighters, police, and Border Patrol Agents arrived at the scene to render aid. The downed pilot was pulled from the wreckage and was pronounced dead. His body was taken to Thomason General Hospital. 1997 Stephen C. Starch Date of Birth: January 3, 1972 Entered on Duty: November 13, 1995 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: June 14, 1997 Details: On June 14, 1997, Border Patrol Agent Stephen C. Starch and Senior Patrol Agent Aric Curtis were patrolling the border area south of State Route 94 in the Dulzura, California area. During the midafternoon hours, they found tracks of suspected illegal immigrants. Fully aware of terrain obstacles and even though their shift was almost over, Agents Starch and Curtis forged ahead, scaling the side of a mountain. Agent Starch separated from Agent Curtis to cover more territory. During the next hour, Agent Curtis tried numerous times to contact Agent Starch by radio but was unsuccessful. He contacted Supervisory Border Patrol Agents and a ground and air search for Agent Starch was started. Agent Curtis discovered Agent Starch at the base of a cliff. He had sustained severe injuries and was not breathing. Agent Curtis and others administered CPR. A medical helicopter from Mercy Air arrived at the scene, along with a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter. Because of the remoteness and the rough terrain, a higher medical authority could not arrive before dark. After nearly an hour of CPR, the attending Emergency Medical Technician consulted with the flight doctor from Mercy Air by radio and pronounced Agent Starch dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. The next day, investigators determined that Agent Starch had accidentally fallen about 150 feet to this death. Agent Starch was a graduate of Texas Tech University and the Border Patrol Academy, Class 295. At the time of his death, he was assigned to the San Diego Sector, El Cajon Station, sign cut unit. 2020 Johan S. Mordan Date of Birth: May 26, 1994 Entered on Duty: July 8, 2019 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: June 12, 2020 Details: On the night of June 11, 2020, Border Patrol Agent Mordan was patrolling on foot in a remote area in the boot heel of New Mexico in the El Paso Sector. Agent Mordan’s partner lost radio contact with him. The Agent located him a short time later and found him unresponsive and without a pulse. His fellow agents worked to save his life for well over an hour before EMS arrived. Agent Mordan was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. There was no evidence to indicate foul play and his death appears to be the result of heat related illness. Agent Mordan entered on duty on July 8, 2019 as part of the 1127th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. He is survived by his parents and sister. June 5 - June 11Good morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! It's a huge week with tons of documents! Standing out to me is a copy of the first detailed proposal to create a Border Patrol from 1918! How cool is that! There's also a 1922 document (the earliest of which I am aware) about an immigration checkpoint in Oceanside, California. That's right, checkpoints for immigration purposes predate the USBP. And we remember actions the led to two Border Patrol Agent being recognized with Newton-Azrak Awards. Plus much more! Also, among the anniversaries of the fallen are Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter who fell due to the same incident in 1956. A sad fact is that the USBP has lost two Agents/Inspectors due to the same event nine times (18 fallen). Their names are listed below:
Have a great week! Cliff PS -
House Keeping This is the section where I correct the mistakes from my last email. I will also use this section to provide other perspectives of USBP history. I didn't find any errors of significance from last week. Esprit de Corps The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.
Esprit de corps is reinforced through the shared goals, mission and values of the organization and its employees. The definition turns Esprit de Corps into a simple formula and defines parts that comprise organizational pride and employee morale. Esprit de Corps = Organizational Pride + Employee Morale Esprit de Corps is the key to a healthy organization and engaged employees. Honor First is foundational to the Border Patrol's organizational pride and integral to its Esprit de Corps. Documents/Events 1918
Newton-Azrak Award Action Anniversaries Follow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
1975 James P. Moody Patrol Agent McAllen Sector Patrol Agent James P. Moody was recognized for his courage while under gunfire in placing a gravely wounded fellow officer in a car and driving through that same fire to get to the hospital. On June 9, 1975 at approximately 0030 hours, Senior Patrol Agent Allen H. Fry and Patrol Agent James P. Moody were performing assigned line-watch duties east of Brownsville, Texas. Observing a suspicious car in a known smuggling area with several people visible in the car, they attempted to stop the vehicle, which immediately took evasive action. The vehicle was pursued about two miles and SPA Fry driving the government unit was able to force it to stop. Several people immediately attempted to flee and were pursued by PA Moody. At that time, PA Moody heard a shot and a cry from Fry that he had been hit. Moody immediately returned to the vehicle. Moody observed that Fry had managed to get to the driver's seat and was attempting to radio for assistance. Moody observing that Fry was gravely injured and bleeding profusely, started around the car to assist Fry when he came under fire from a concealed position to his right. Eight to ten shots were fired at Moody as he moved around the car, and he returned fire with three rounds from his service revolver. Ignoring his personal safety, he ran under fire to the left side of the Service vehicle and seeing that Fry was in grave danger of bleeding to death, placed him on the rear seat to transport him to the hospital. Moody, knowing that the shortest route to the hospital was back through the area under fire, drive the car forward about 100 yards, turned around and passed back through the area of the assault, again exposing himself to extreme danger from the assailant and proceeded at a high rate of speed for the hospital. Moody alerted nearby units of the assault and the grave injury, had the hospital alerted of the emergency, which resulted in a doctor and staff being on stand-by awaiting his arrival. There is little doubt that this immediate action saved SPA Fry's life. 1992 Michael W. Snyder Border Patrol Pilot Del Rio Sector On June 9, 1992, Border Patrol Pilot Michael W. Snyder assisted the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Department in saving the life of one swimmer and obtaining much needed medical attention for several others. The Frio River was at flood stage due to recent heavy rains and swimmers were reported stranded. Pilot Snyder flew the Service helicopter directly over the stranded couple and Captain Watkins dropped a rope to the man, who was near exhaustion yet trying to keep his female companion above water and hold on to an inner-tube. After several attempts to get the rope to the man, it became apparent it was not going to work. Pilot Snyder maneuvered the helicopter among tall cypress tress and power lines to obtain visual contact with the peopled in the water, dipped the skid under the man, and nudged the couple towards the banks to several other swimmers who jumped in and pulled them out of the water. Unfortunately, the female did not make it; however, the man was saved and several others were taken by Pilot Snyder to an ambulance to receive medical attention. USBP Fallen
As of May 16, 2022, the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 152* fallen. Titles:
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. *With the exception of two of the fallen immediately below, all names are listed (or in the process of being included) on the official Honor Roll of U.S. Border Patrol Fallen and inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The U.S. Border Patrol should fix these discrepancies. HonorFirst.com honors both of the fallen.
1956 Douglas C. Shute Date of Birth: December 31, 1918 Entered on Duty: September 5, 1950 Title: Airplane Pilot End of Watch: June 6, 1956 Details: During the morning hours of June 6, 1956, Airplane Pilot Douglas C. Shute was patrolling in a Piper Supercub. He was working with a ground unit engaged in “sign-cutting,” a term applied to locating and following footprints or other physical evidence left by a person in traversing an area. Pilot Shute landed the plane on a roadway and conferred with Patrol Inspectors James M. Carter, Emmit R. Brotherton, and Carter M. Newsome. The ground crew had located the tracks of two persons, which could more readily be checked out by officers in the aircraft. Patrol Inspector James M. Carter decided to serve as observer in the aircraft while the other officers continued to follow the tracks on the ground. Pilot Shute informed the officers by radio that the walkers had been located and instructed to come out of the brush to be picked up by the ground crew. Shortly thereafter, the plane went into a steep climb and stalled. It began a left spin from which there was no recovery. It struck the ground in vertical descent. The engine was driven back into the cockpit, the force of the impact telescoping the cabin, imprisoning the pilot and observer. Both were killed on impact. James M. Carter Date of Birth: February 26, 1921 Entered on Duty: April 25, 1955 Title: Patrol Inspector End of Watch: June 6, 1956 Details: Patrol Inspectors James M. Carter and Carter M. Newsome were temporarily detailed from Marfa, Texas, to Comstock, Texas, on June 4, 1956, for a two-week horse patrol operation to work in the vicinity of Comstock. On June 6th these officers, accompanied by Patrol Inspector Emmit R. Brotherton, were about 35 miles north northwest of Comstock engaged in “sign-cutting,” a term applied to locating and following footprints or other physical evidence left by a person traversing an area. The officers had located two sets of footprints and were tracking them when Service aircraft N4375A, piloted by Airplane Pilot Douglas G. Shute, arrived. Thereafter, the aircraft was used in the search operation with Patrol Inspector Carter serving as observer in the plane. At about 10:00 a.m., the pilot reported by radio that the walkers had been located and directed the ground crew on a course to intercept them. The plane was then seen making a banking turn to the left and resuming level flight at 100 feet altitude. Shortly thereafter, the plane went into a steep climb and at 450 feet, it stalled, falling into a left spin from which there was no recovery. There had been no change in engine power during the maneuver, in the spin, or at impact. The plane struck the ground in vertical descent, the engine being driven back into the cockpit. The force of the impact telescoped the cabin, imprisoning the pilot and observer. |
Clifford GillBlog author, retired U.S. Border Patrol Assistant Chief and, current U.S. Border Patrol employee advocate. Ray HarrisSite founder and owner, former Supervisory Border Patrol Agent and retired Immigration Special Agent. Joseph BancoU.S. Border Patrol historian and retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent. Archives
October 2024
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