July 7 - July 13Welcome to another This Week in USBP History! This week we reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of our agents. On July 7, 1998, Agents Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas were tragically ambushed and fatally wounded while responding to a call for assistance. Their dedication and sacrifice remain solemnly honored. On July 8, 1974, Agent Glenn A. Phillips lost his life in a jeep accident, and in 1989, Agent Thomas W. Slowinski heroically rescued victims from a collapsed building. On July 9, 2019, Supervisory Agent Jason Weatherby demonstrated exceptional courage by rescuing a woman from a fast-moving river. The tradition of numbering classes at the Border Patrol Training School began on July 10, 1940, marking a milestone in our training programs. We also remember Agent Enrique J. Rositas, Jr., who passed away on July 11, 2020, and was determined to have died in the line of duty. Join us as we delve into these significant events, honoring the legacy of those who have served with bravery and dedication. Each story is a powerful reminder of the risks our agents face and their unwavering commitment to protecting our borders. Discover more in this week’s blog and get inspired by the courage and resilience of the U.S. Border Patrol. 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. THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONESJuly 7
Line of Duty Death anniversary/ Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Susan L. Rodriguez Date of Birth: July 11, 1969 Entered on Duty: September 20, 1992 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 7, 1998 Gravesite Posthumously Awarded Ricardo G. Salinas Date of Birth: April 29, 1974 Entered on Duty: September 8, 1997 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 7, 1998 Gravesite Posthumously Awarded Susan L. Rodriguez, born on July 11, 1969, and Ricardo G. Salinas, born on April 29, 1974, were dedicated agents of the U.S. Border Patrol, serving in the McAllen Sector. Agent Rodriguez joined the Border Patrol on September 20, 1992, and was a graduate of the 261st session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. Agent Salinas entered duty on September 8, 1997, graduating from the 351st session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. Their end of watch came under tragic circumstances on July 7, 1998. On that fateful day, Agents Rodriguez and Salinas, along with other law enforcement officers, responded to a call for assistance from the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department south of San Benito, Texas. They were involved in a pursuit of a double homicide suspect and were helping to set up a perimeter in a wooded area to contain the suspect. As Agents Rodriguez and Salinas were walking back to their vehicle, the suspect, hiding in a nearby cornfield, ambushed them, opening fire. During the intense gun battle that ensued, both Agents Rodriguez and Salinas were fatally wounded. Agent Rodriguez was hit in the leg and neck, while Agent Salinas was struck in the head. Despite the efforts of Senior Patrol Agent Orlando Sanchez and other officers to subdue the suspect and provide aid, Agent Salinas died immediately, and Agent Rodriguez succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital. Agent Susan L. Rodriguez holds the tragic distinction of being the first female agent in the history of the United States Border Patrol to lose her life in the line of duty. The loss of both agents on that day was a profound tragedy, underscoring the dangers faced by those who serve to protect the nation's borders. Their service and sacrifice are deeply honored and remembered. The gravesites of Agents Rodriguez and Salinas stand as solemn reminders of their bravery, dedication, and the ultimate sacrifice they made in the line of duty. Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Orlando Sanchez Senior Patrol Agent McAllen Sector Senior Patrol Agent Orlando Sanchez, serving in the McAllen Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment to duty under harrowing circumstances. On July 7, 1998, SPA Sanchez was involved in a critical incident that highlighted his courage and quick thinking in the face of extreme danger. That day, SPA Sanchez, along with Border Patrol Agents Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas, responded to assist the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office in the search for a double-murder suspect in Rio Hondo, Texas. The situation escalated rapidly when the suspect, concealed in a cornfield, ambushed the agents as they were leaving the site of the murders. Agent Salinas was fatally shot in the head, and Agent Rodriguez was critically injured, sustaining gunshot wounds to the leg and neck. Cameron County Deputy Raul Rodriguez was also hit. Amidst this chaos, SPA Sanchez displayed remarkable courage. He sought cover in an adjacent field and engaged the suspect, effectively returning fire. His actions were instrumental in subduing the suspect, who was eventually shot and incapacitated, ending the threat. SPA Sanchez's role did not end with the neutralization of the suspect. He immediately attempted to render aid to the fallen agents, radioed for help, and assisted EMS personnel in their efforts to provide medical assistance. His actions continued until Agent Rodriguez was airlifted to the hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. Senior Patrol Agent Orlando Sanchez's decisive actions and dedication to his fellow agents were critical in preventing further loss of life and injury. His bravery and professionalism in such a perilous situation are a testament to his character and commitment to the mission of the Border Patrol. His actions brought great credit upon himself and the United States Border Patrol. July 8 Line of Duty Death anniversary Glenn A. Phillips Date of Birth: July 25, 1948 Entered on Duty: April 30, 1973 Title: Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 8, 1974 Details: Border Patrol Agent Glenn A. Phillips of the Chula Vista Station, Chula Vista Sector, was killed in a jeep accident on July 8, 1974. He was traveling alone on the Tijuana Street Extension, a dirt road located near the international boundary approximately one mile west of the Port of Entry at San Ysidro. Agent Phillips was responding to a call for assistance from Patrol Agent Petraglia who had spotted a group of aliens entering the United States illegally. The San Diego Police Department's report indicates that Agent Phillips was traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour, probably without lights, when his jeep crashed into the front end of a parked flatbed trailer. The jeep was badly damaged and the front of the trailer extended well into the interior and to the rear of the jeep. The bed of the trailer struck the right side of Agent Phillips' face, apparently killing him instantly. Gravesite Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Thomas W. Slowinski Border Patrol Agent McAllen Sector On July 8, 1989, the roof of the Amigoland Department Store in Brownsville, Texas collapsed trapping several customers and employees inside the store. Border Patrol Agent Thomas W. Slowinski and his Service Canine “Barco” quickly deployed to Brownsville on a search-and-rescue operation and were able to rescue numerous survivors. While inside the building, searching for other trapped victims, another part of the roof and building collapsed; but, thankfully, Agent Slowinksi and Barco were able to find their way out of the rubble with no injuries. July 9 Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary Jason S. Weatherby - photo Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Spokane, WA On July 9, 2019, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Jason Weatherby responded to assist a 70-year woman whose kayak had capsized in the swift, frigid current of the Kettle River. The women was ejected from her kayak, causing her to be swept underwater for an extended length of time. She eventually emerged and ultimately became entangled with a fallen tree in a fast moving, turbulent region of the water. Due to the extended length of time that had passed, paired with the extremely hazardous environment, and the women’s increasing physical exhaustion, she was unable to make it to shore. Determining that the woman would not be able to save herself, Agent Weatherby, beyond the call of duty and facing grave danger, entered the fast moving waters and swam to her. As he freed the victim from the log jam, the branches snapped and both were swept further down the river in the fast current. At great effort, Agent Weatherby maneuvered into a rescue arm position and swan across the current to the adjacent shoreline saving both of their lives. Agent Weatherby’s actions brought great credit upon himself and United States Border Patrol. July 10 The tradition of numbering classes at the Border Patrol Training School was not established until July 10, 1940, when Class 1 began training with ninety-nine appointees. This would be the first training session under the Department of Justice, which the Immigration and Naturalization Service had become part of on June 15, 1940.
July 11 On July 11, 1934, Chief Patrol Inspector Joseph L. Van Orshoven (1893-1987) of the Chula Vista Sub-district, wrote a memo to the Los Angeles District Director disapproving the wearing of a rough duty uniform by Patrol Inspectors in the district.
As an example of a routine personnel transfer, on July 11, 1956, Acting Assistant Commissioner of the Enforcement Division Harlon Carter (1913-1991) authorized the transfer of Border Patrol Inspector Stanley E. Gillis (1924-1972)
Line of Duty Death anniversary Enrique J. Rositas, Jr. Date of Birth: June 3, 1967 Entered on Duty: September 8, 1997 Title: Border Patrol Agent End of Watch: July 11, 2020 Details: Border Patrol Agent Enrique Rositas Jr. passed away on July 11, 2020. The circumstances of his passing were reviewed by an executive panel and the CBP Commissioner who determined that this death occurred in the line of duty. Agent Rositas will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger. BPA Rositas was assigned to the McAllen Station, Rio Grande Valley Sector, where he served as a primary field training officer, collateral duty safety officer, certified ATV rider, a member of the Horse Patrol Unit, and vice-president of the McAllen Station Morale, Welfare and Recreation Association. He began his career with the United States Border Patrol on September 8, 1997 after serving nearly 12 years in the United States Air Force attaining the rank of staff sergeant. During his nearly 23-year career, BPA Rositas was known to many as "the very essence of what a USBP agent should be," and "was a loving husband and father who often spoke about his kids with such pride and joy." BPA Rositas is survived by his wife and two children. Gravesite July 12 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history. July 13 Today marks a quiet day in USBP history.
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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
October 2024
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