This Week in USBP History, Vol. 137

April 14 - April 20

Good morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! ​​​​​

This week we honor the courage and sacrifice of our fallen whose anniversaries we commemorate. On April 16, we remember Mounted Watchman Clarence M. Childress and Patrol Inspector Archie L. Jennings. We also pay tribute to Border Patrol Agent Joe R. White and Border Patrol Agent Jose D. Barraza, whose end of watch fell on April 18, in 1995 and 2016 respectively. These anniversaries are poignant reminders of the risks inherent in protecting our nation’s borders.

This week also brings to light significant milestones in the evolution of the U.S. Border Patrol. From the early discussions in 1918 that suggested the creation of a border patrol, to the critical policy implementations and reintegration of the U.S. Border Patrol Canine Program in 1987. Each event underscores the dynamic history and continuous development of our agency.

We also explore changes in uniforms and operational equipment, reflecting the agency's adaptability and commitment to the safety and professionalism of its officers. These changes, from the adoption of protective helmets in 1930 to the detailed uniform policy updates in 2020, illustrate the thoughtful evolution of the Border Patrol's presentation and readiness.

Join us as we delve into these compelling stories, from moments of loss to significant advancements, all of which contribute to the rich tapestry of the U.S. Border Patrol’s legacy of integrity, valor, and commitment.

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 [email protected]). 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.

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THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONES

April 14

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

 
April 15

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

 
April 16

• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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

 
April 17

• Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.

 
April 18

• On April 18, 1918, the Commissioner-General wrote a response to future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934).  The Commissioner-General's response referenced a suggestion that Berkshire had made to establish a "border patrol".  The Commissioner-General stated that high level discussions identified that such a force could be created as a new branch of the military or as part of the Immigration Service.
• On April 18, 1956, Senate Bill S. 3656 was introduced, "To provide for the acquisition of sites and the construction of buildings for a training school and for sector headquarters for the immigration border patrol, and for other purposes."
• Reimplementation of the U.S. Border Patrol Canine Program - On April 18, 1987, Canine Rocky and Handler Kent Banks and Canine Barco with Handler Thomas Slowinski entered on duty at the McAllen Sector. At the same time Canine Duko with Handler Randy Salazar and Canine Benno with Handler Roberto Cantu entered on duty in Laredo Sector.​
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco 
  • Thomas Slowinski is a 1989 Newton-Azrak Award recipient.
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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
• On April 18, 2020, Chief Rodney Scott signed a memo, concerning devices authorized for wear on the Border Patrol uniform.  The memo created two classes of devices: Qualification Devices and Specialty Devices.  See the USBP Authorized Devices page for more information.  This memo was incorporated into the Patrol's most recent uniform policy which came into effect in 2021.
• Line of Duty Death anniversary
  • 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

 
April 19

• On April 19, 1930, the Tenth Supplement to and Amendment of General Order 42 authorized the wearing of a “cork or pith helmet (forestry green)” in the southern border districts when "...when weather conditions render it suitable in the discretion of the district officer in charge."
  • ​A 1951 memo describes Patrol Inspectors' attitude concerning the hat, “…A certain segment of the public was prone to jest at them and their “lion-tamer” hats”.
• On April 19, 1977, the inaugural Border Patrol Academy Class at FLETC Glynco would be Session 114, graduating 30 Border Patrol Trainees on August 10, 1977.
  • From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco 

 
April 20

• On April 20, 1970, Chief of the Border Patrol Donald R. Coppock (1910-2011) wrote a memo related to the change in title from Border Patrol Inspectors to Border Patrol Agents that occurred that year. Both titles are used in the memo.
  • It should be noted that Coppock's title in the memo is Deputy Associate Commissioner, Domestic Control.  In that position, he was compensated at the GS-17 level (before the Senior Executive Service was created).  He was promoted from the GS-16, Assistant Commissioner, Enforcement to that position on August 25, 1968.  Absent other evidence, both positions are considered to be Chief of the Border Patrol.
  • Donald R. Coppock is the longest serving Chief of the Border Patrol, holding the position 1960-1973.