November 19 - November 25LINE OF DUTY DEATH Notification Freddy Ortiz Entered on Duty: September 6, 2010 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 14, 2023 Details Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz, a member of the 948th Session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, joined on September 6, 2010, and served at the Tucson Sector's Douglas Station. Before his service with the Border Patrol, he served in the U.S. Navy and continued his commitment in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Agent Ortiz was killed in the line of duty on November 14, 2023. He died in an ATV crash in Douglas, Arizona, while responding to reports of undocumented immigrants near Chino Road and 5th Street. His ATV struck a utility pole along International Drive and overturned, resulting in fatal injuries. He is survived by his mother, Irma; stepfather, Victor; partner, Crystal; and a wide network of family, friends, and colleagues. The Border Patrol community mourns his loss and honors his dedication and sacrifice. INTROGood morning! Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! It’s that time of the year again… With Thanksgiving nearly behind us, we enter a season of giving and appreciation. If you have a special Border Patrol employee or retiree in your life, or if you're a supervisor or manager looking for meaningful end-of-year awards that promote organizational pride, I have the perfect suggestion. Let me guide you to a treasure trove of knowledge and history in the books written by retired Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joseph Banco. These aren't just books; they're windows into the brave world of the U.S. Border Patrol. Below is a closer look at each volume  Joseph Banco's Honor First series of U.S. Border Patrol history books HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I  HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I
HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II  HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II
HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume III  HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume III
HONOR FIRST: The Unsung Heroes of Oxford  HONOR FIRST: The Unsung Heroes of Oxford
HONOR FIRST: Securing Enemy Aliens - The U.S. Border Patrol During World War II  HONOR FIRST: Securing Enemy Aliens - The U.S. Border Patrol During World War II
These books by Joseph Banco are far more than just collections of facts and dates. They are richly woven with personal accounts, historical documents, and photographs that breathe life into the stories of the U.S. Border Patrol. It's this personal touch that makes each volume a compelling read and a valuable piece of history. As we look forward to the future, let's also keep an eye out for Joe's continuing work. He is currently putting the finishing touches on Volume IV of the "Honor First" series, and a unique project, the USBP Centennial Timeline, both of which promise to be incredible additions to his already remarkable body of work. Consider gifting the entire set as a meaningful token of appreciation for under $100, or as a distinctive and thoughtful non-traditional award for an employee. These books are more than gifts; they're a way to connect with and celebrate the proud legacy of the U.S. Border Patrol. And as always, let's remember the importance of supporting the Border Patrol Museum, a non-profit organization that plays a vital role in preserving and sharing our rich history. Their operations rely significantly on private donations and gift shop sales. If you haven’t yet, think about becoming a member for $40 per year. It's a great way to stay connected and receive unique benefits like their annual calendar. Stay tuned for updates on the release of Volume IV and the USBP Centennial Timeline. And for the latest Border Patrol news and history, make sure to read the Museum’s newsletter, The Green Zone. Happy holidays to all, and let's continue to honor those who serve and have served with our support and recognition. In this edition of "This Week in USBP History," we revisit key moments: In 1918, George Harris and Frank Berkshire shape the future Border Patrol from the Mills Building in El Paso. Jump to 1929, where El Paso District Director Grover Wilmoth enforces strict discipline, exemplifying the rigor of the era. The year 1956 showcases the Border Patrol's adaptability during the Hungarian Revolution, while 1987 is marked by the challenging riots at Oakdale and Atlanta Federal Detention Centers, testing the resolve of BORTAC and Emergency Response Teams. The 2002 legislation transforming the Customs Service and the sobering 2003 parole denial of one of the murders of Inspectors Newton and Azrak further highlight the evolving challenges and resilience of the Border Patrol. This week, we honor seven agents on the anniversary of their Newton-Azrak Award actions. Also, we solemnly remember two of our fallen on the anniversaries of their deaths. Enjoy and have a great week! Cliff P.S. - 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. ESPRIT DE CORPSThe 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. THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK In Remembrance Inspector Jerrel B. Scott and the Spirit of the Border Patrol Late 1950s - Early 1960s This touching photograph from the late 1950s or early 1960s features Inspector Jerrel B. Scott (1911-1976), a dedicated member of the U.S. Border Patrol. His campaign hat, casually tilted back, speaks to the approachable yet vigilant nature that characterized the force during this era. The setting, likely a local cafe or soda shop, represents a snapshot of everyday Americana, where moments of leisure intersected with the responsibilities of duty. In the background, the presence of a young boy, his crew cut and white shirt emblematic of the time, adds a layer of depth, reflecting the innocence and simplicity of the era. This image is not just a portrait of Inspector Scott; it's a window into a bygone period, evoking a sense of nostalgia and respect for the history and evolution of the Border Patrol. DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS1918
1925
1929
1930
1956
1983
1987
2002
2003
NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD ACTION ANNIVERSARIESFollow this link to see examples of USBP employees Upholding Honor First.
 The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll 1987 Charles J. Kothman Border Patrol Agent New Orleans Sector Craig L. Weinbrenner Border Patrol Agent New Orleans Sector William A. Preston Supervisory Border Patrol Agent New Orleans Sector Robert S. Coleman Jr. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agent Charles J. Kothman, Border Patrol Agent Craig L. Weinbrenner, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Robert S. Coleman Jr., and Supervisory Border Patrol Agent William A. Preston were recognized for their actions to help control the uprising of Cuban detainees at the Federal Detention Facility in Oakdale, Louisiana, from November 21, 1987 to November 30, 1987. 1994 Robert E. Lindemann Senior Patrol Agent Detroit Sector On November 24, 1994, two small children were kidnapped in Windsor, Ontario, Canada by a suspect who had three warrants in Canada for Threats to Cause Death and Assault. The suspect, with the abducted children, then illegally entered the United States by running through the Port of Entry at Detroit, Michigan, in his vehicle. Senior Patrol Agent Robert E. Lindemann immediately commenced an investigation into the incident. After a diligent investigation, utilizing numerous sources, Agent Lindemann was able to locate the abducted children in a barricaded house where he safely rescued the children. Agent Lindemann then returned the children back to the Canadian Police authorities and their grateful mother. During this international incident, Agent Lindemann exhibited exemplary self-motivation in initiating this investigation. His professional demeanor in this incident reflects the highest standards of competence of the Border Patrol. 2010 Leobardo Jacinto - photo, photo 2, award set Border Patrol Agent El Centro, CA On November 20, 2010, while off duty, Border Patrol Agent Leobardo Jacinto quickly took action to assist two civilians whose vehicle had driven off the road into a canal. Without regard for his own safety, BPA Jacinto entered the canal and extracted the two occupants from the vehicle before it became completely submerged. He then performed CPR on one of the victims until emergency medical services arrived. BPA Jacinto exemplifies what it means to be a hero and the core values of the Border Patrol. BPA Jacinto's decisive actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. 2012 Armando Ledezma Border Patrol Agent Wellton, Arizona For heroic actions to save a deputy and hospital staff from a violent felon. On November 21, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Armando Ledezma was assigned to hospital watch duties at Yuma Regional Medical Center, Yuma, Arizona. He heard a nurse shouting for security and immediately responded to the room from which the nurse had exited. As he entered the room, he saw a tall, heavyset man moving on the floor. As Agent Ledezma attempted to gain control of the man, he discovered that the subject was an inmate who had pinned an exhausted sheriff’s deputy to the floor and was struggling for the deputy’s holstered service weapon. At great personal risk, Agent Ledezma kept the inmate from getting the deputy’s weapon. Agent Ledezma grabbed one of the inmate’s hands, allowing the deputy to secure his weapon and control the inmate’s other hand. Agent Ledezma then handcuffed the inmate, ending the scuffle. Agent Ledezma’s brave actions and quick thinking saved the deputy from death or injury. U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN ANNIVERSARIES U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band As of November 14, 2023 the U.S. Border Patrol has suffered 157* fallen. Titles
The following names hold a distinguished position, as they have made the ultimate sacrifice in their unwavering commitment to uphold the oath each officer took to protect and defend the United States of America. The facts concerning each officer are presented with minimal editing to preserve the "language of the day" found in the original reports, providing readers with a sense of historical context. In compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the cause of death for employees who lost their lives in the line of duty due to exposure to lethal illnesses will not be disclosed. * Please note that although the circumstances surrounding their deaths met the criteria for Line-of-Duty Deaths at the time, Patrol Inspector Garvis Field Harrell and Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax are not officially recognized as fallen by either the Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol. Additionally, despite Border Patrol Pilot Howard H. Gay losing his life in the action that earned him the Newton-Azrak Award, his death is not officially recognized either. Nonetheless, HonorFirst.com respectfully recognizes and includes Inspector Harrell and Agent Gigax among those honored as having fallen in the line of duty. 1983 Thomas K. Byrd Date of Birth: September 12, 1954 Entered on Duty: August 19, 1983 Title: Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) End of Watch: November 21, 1983 Details: Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) Thomas K. Byrd was struck by an eastbound vehicle at about 5:00 p.m. on the afternoon of November 21, 1983, when the motorcycle on which he was a passenger, lost control. The owner and driver of the motorcycle, Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) James Hearne, was unable to see a vehicle making a left-hand turn as he and Agent Byrd left the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to drop off a payment for class T-shirts that had been promised to the vendor by close of business on that date. Apparently, when Agents Hearne and Byrd left the training center, the sun was positioned in front of them in such a manner as to make visibility very difficult. When Agent Hearne realized that a vehicle in front of him was about to make a stop (or turn) it was too late to make a safe stop. Agent Hearne made a correction to the left side of the vehicle in an effort to avoid the collision, but lost control of the motorcycle in the attempt. The motorcycle fell to the ground throwing Agent Hearne into the path of the oncoming traffic. However, Agent Byrd was struck by a vehicle in the oncoming traffic and dragged for some distance. He was rushed to Brunswick Memorial Hospital by ambulance, where all efforts to save him failed. He was pronounced dead at approximately 7:00 p.m. by the attending physician. Both Agents Byrd and Hearne were attending the 151th Session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Glynco, Georgia, when the accident occurred. Border Patrol Agent (Trainee) Byrd was a high academic achiever and was regarded with high esteem by the members of his class. Gravesite 2017 Rogelio Martinez Date of Birth January 15, 1981 Entered on Duty: August 12, 2013 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: November 19, 2017 Details: On November 18, 2017, Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez was patrolling along Interstate 10 in a remote area outside of Van Horn, Texas, when fellow agents were alerted that he and another agent were in distress. When fellow agents located Agent Martinez, he was unresponsive and severely injured. Agent Martinez was taken to the local hospital in Van Horn and later transported to a medical center in El Paso, Texas, where he succumbed to his injuries on November 19, 2017. Agent Martinez entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on August 12, 2013, as a member of the 1018th session of the Border Patrol Academy, and he was assigned to the Van Horn Station in the Big Bend Sector. Agent Martinez served with the United States Border Patrol for over 4 years. Gravesite
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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
November 2023
I prefer that you leave comments. However, if you wish to contact me, please do so by emailing Cliff@HonorFirst.com.
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