This Week in USBP History, Vol. 93

June 11 - June 17

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Intro

Good Morning!

Welcome to another This Week in USBP History!

!!! News Flash !!!
Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens Selected to be the Chief of the Border Patrol

The Next Chief of the Border Patrol, Jason D. Owens

June 9, 2023 - From Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller

​It is with great pride that I announce that Chief Jason Owens will be appointed as the next Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. Chief Owens has served in the U.S. Border Patrol for more than 25 years, rising through the ranks to hold key leadership positions at every level. His career to date includes Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, Chief of the Houlton Sector, and his current assignment as Chief of the Del Rio Sector. Over the course of his career, Chief Owens has demonstrated consistent dedication to the border security and homeland security missions, and to the men and women who carry out these responsibilities every day. I am confident that he will ably lead the U.S. Border Patrol into its 100th year and beyond.

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​Now to the intro!

Standing Up for Integrity: Whistleblowing in the Border Patrol

Preface: Embracing Our Audience

Greetings, current and former Border Patrol agents. This blog post is dedicated to you—those who have steadfastly upheld the ethos of "Honor First" amid countless challenging situations, and those who might find themselves contemplating or in a position to blow the whistle. This blog seeks to guide potential whistleblowers, promoting self-correction, and strengthening the bedrock of our organization: Honor First.

Unraveling the Dilemma: Whistleblowing vs. Reporting Misconduct

Often, the terms "whistleblowing" and "reporting misconduct" are used interchangeably, but understanding the nuanced differences between them is paramount. Reporting misconduct refers to alerting relevant authorities within an organization about unacceptable behaviors, such as inappropriate actions by colleagues, discriminatory, or harassing behavior. Reports of misconduct are typically handled internally by designated departments.

Whistleblowing, on the other hand, generally implies escalating the issue outside of the immediate organization when it involves significant violations like unlawful activities, corruption, or activities that pose a substantial risk to public interest. Whistleblowing is often associated with larger, systemic issues within an organization and can involve an external authority like the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, or the Office of Special Counsel.

Walking the Tightrope: When to Whistleblow

Knowing when to blow the whistle can be a complex issue. The challenge lies in trusting a supervisor or an organization that appears to be violating a law, regulation, or policy. When does one's perception of right or wrong trump those of a supervisor or the authoritative directives of the organization? Therein lies the delicate balance of whistleblowing—standing on the slippery slope between individual conscience and organizational adherence.

The Guiding Light: "Honor First"

Our core principle, "Honor First," embodies a multitude of virtues—integrity, honesty, decency, fairness, sincerity, truthfulness, and trustworthiness. This principle underlines our duty to address any misconduct, big or small, serving as a guiding light that prompts us towards self-correction and responsibility. As Border Patrol Agents of all ranks, we're entrusted with upholding this motto in both letter and spirit.

Taking the Leap: How to Blow the Whistle

If you witness or learn about serious misconduct, it's crucial to report it. CBP employees have an obligation to do so through the appropriate mechanisms such as the Joint Intake Center at 1-877-2INTAKE or Joint.Intake@dhs.gov, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Professional Responsibility, or the Office of Inspector General at 1-800-323-8603 or DHSOIGHOTLINE@dhs.gov. Reporting is the first step towards self-correction, an essential aspect of upholding the motto "Honor First."

Keeping Perspective: The Cost of Whistleblowing

Historically, whistleblowers have often faced substantial personal and professional costs, frequently being ostracized and branded as traitors by their organizations. Despite this, it's important to remember that the act of whistleblowing is deeply rooted in an innate sense of justice. The road might be challenging, but the belief in maintaining the integrity of the Border Patrol makes it worthwhile.

Conclusion: Upholding Our Motto, “Honor First”

Our roles as Border Patrol Agents are pivotal. Our actions matter, and our integrity is paramount. Upholding "Honor First" might entail making tough calls like whistleblowing. While the journey might be challenging, it is vital to preserving the honor and integrity of the Border Patrol.

​Stand tall, stay strong, and remember, no matter the circumstance, "Honor First."

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This week, we're exploring the U.S. Border Patrol's history, starting with Henry Carpenter Smither Sr.'s early efforts in the 1920s. We'll look at the letters and memos that helped shape border enforcement, and we'll examine a typical day in 1927 through an incident involving Inspector Ivan Williams. Travel with us to the 1950s to understand the impact of Operation Wetback, and remember the service and sacrifice of Theodore L. Newton Jr. and George F. Azrak, who tragically lost their lives in 1967. We'll end our journey with the introduction of the U.S. Border Patrol Purple Cross in 2001.

​We remember three of the Patrol's heroes on the anniversary of their Newton-Azrak Award actions.

During this week, we solemnly remember six of our fallen, including Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak, who tragically lost their lives in the same incident in 1967. It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the nine separate occasions on which the USBP has experienced the devastating loss of two Agents/Inspectors in a single event, totaling 18 fallen. We honor their memory and sacrifice, with their names listed below:

1. Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
2. Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
3. Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
4. Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
5. Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
6. Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998​
7. Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
8. Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
9. Hector R. Clark and Eduardo Rojas,  Jr. in 2011

Daniel P. Cox and Edgardo Acosta-Feliciano both fell on July 31, 2021.  However, their causes of death were not related.

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.

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ESPRIT DE CORPS

The workplace climate resulting from a combination of organizational pride and employee morale.

• Organizational pride is the positive feeling experienced by employees from being part of a meaningful team that is rich in history, tradition and culture.
• Employee morale is the feeling experienced by employee based in part on their perception of:
  • Being valued by the organization,
  • Fairly compensated, and
  • Performing meaningful work.

 
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.

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​THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Throwback to the 1970s. For decades Border Patrol Agents in the air and on the ground worked as one in service of the United States.

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DOCUMENTS AND EVENTS

1922

• On June 12, 1922, a memo was written for Henry Carpenter Smither Sr. (1873-1930) outlining a meeting that had occurred to discuss whole of government border patrol activities.
  • Brigadier General Smither (as a Colonel) was assigned as the federal government's Chief Coordinator with the function of identifying and correcting duplications of effort.  With multiple federal agencies performing law enforcement work along the borders, his office took notice.
  • Smither would play a role in bills in the late 1920's designed to consolidate federal enforcement actions under a single border patrol within the Department of Labor.  See this 1927 article.
• Related to the entry above, a memo was written describing a June 12, 1922, sub-committee meeting that discussed suggestions concerning enforcing federal law on the border.
• On June 14, 1922, Commissioner-General William W. Husband (1871-1942) wrote a letter to Seattle Commissioner of Immigration Luther Weedin (1872-1942) explaining the discussions that were occurring concerning enforcing federal law on the border.
• On June 15, 1922, the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General that contained his suggestion to NOT create a border patrol force for the northern border but to cross-designate positions for greater efficiencies in enforcement.
  • Also known as District #1, the Montreal District encompassed regions that correspond to present-day Houlton, Swanton, Buffalo, and Detroit Sectors. The district was organized into five subdivisions, which were later renamed as 'sectors' starting from the 1940s. The leadership of these districts was vested in individuals bearing the titles "Commissioner of Immigration" or "District Director."

1926

• 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

• On June 15, 1927, documents describe a shooting involving Border Patrol Inspector Ivan Williams (1895-1980).  The situation had several interesting aspects:
  • Inspector Williams was driving another inspector's personal car,
  • Inspector Williams was transporting a person in the POV,
  • Inspector Williams spotted another car that he thought was transporting alcohol,
  • When Inspector Williams signaled for the other car to stop, gunfire erupted and Williams returned fire at a moving vehicle.

1928

• On June 13, 1928, former Acting Commissioner-General George Harris (1876-1941) wrote a memo to the Commissioner of Immigration for the Montreal District informing him that fabric for insignia of rank and time-in-service was being shipped to them.  Several items of interest are contained in the memo:
  • Harris would be one of the first two "Chiefs" of the Border Patrol in 1926 and the only person to have been "Chief" twice (the position was called Supervisor in 1926 and Director in 1932). 
    • I would also mention that on his death in 1941, man newspapers referred to him as the "Father of the Border Patrol".  However, not document have been discovered that demonstrate his contributions as exists to support Frank Berkshire having the title "Father of the Border Patrol".
  • The rank and time-in-service insignia were newly implemented in an amendment to the Patrol's first uniform policy, General Order 42.  Please see the U.S. Border Patrol’s Early Rank and Time-in-Service Insignia page for more information.

1936

• On June 15, 1936, Irving F. Wixon (1884-1962) wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General concerning recommendations to transfer the sub-district headquarters in south Texas from Brownsville to McAllen.  The memo discusses anticipated resistance to the move and states that the construction of a new headquarters building would cost approximately $50,000.

1939

• On June 16, 1939, the Immigration and Naturalization Service requested the specifications for the eight-pointed hat worn by New York City police officers.  The eight-pointed hat would be approved for wear by Border Patrol Inspectors in the 1940's and replaced the Pershing hat which had been authorized for wear since 1924. ​

Above are two Border Patrol Inspectors from the 1930s wearing Pershing hats.

Fallen Border Patrol Inspector John A. Rector (1898-1956) wearing an eight-pointed hat in the 1940's. In 1956, Inspector Rector was accidentally shot and killed by fellow Border Patrol Inspector Bill Jordan.

1940

• On June 14, 1940, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Reorganization Program V, the U.S. Border Patrol as part of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was transferred from the Department of Labor to the Department of Justice.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco

1954

• Operation Wetback - Phase II of Operation Wetback initiated on June 17, 1954, with a force of 750 Border Patrolmen detailed from all 22 Border Patrol Sectors to El Centro and Chula Vista Sectors.
  • From - HONOR FIRST:  The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume II by Joseph Banco

1955

• On June 15, 1955, a memo was written concerning intelligence reporting requirements.  In the memo, Harlon Carter (1913-1991) was the Action Assistant Commissioner of the Enforcement Division.  He was Chief of the Border Patrol 1950-1957 and the first Chief to have graduated from the Academy (photo).

1967

• On June 17, 1967, Patrol Inspectors Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak were murdered in the line of duty, marking the third time in USBP history that the Patrol had lost two employees due to the same event.  See this link for more information about the murders and the investigation.

2001

• The U.S. Border Patrol Purple Cross was established on June 12, 2001, and the first medals were issued in 2002. Paul Conover would be the first recipient of the U.S. Border Patrol Purple Cross, receiving it in a ceremony in 2002, although several recipients would receive them retroactively.
  • ​From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume Three 1975-1999​ by Joseph Banco​
  • See the HonorFirst.com Purple Cross webpage for some of the recipients.

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NEWTON-AZRAK AWARD
​ACTION ANNIVERSARIES

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

The USBP Newton-Azrak Award Scroll

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
​(1972-1997)
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.

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U.S. BORDER PATROL FALLEN 
ANNIVERSARIES

U.S. Border Patrol Badge with a Mourning Band

As of March 6, 2023, HonorFirst.com solemnly acknowledges the loss of 154 brave individuals who have fallen in their line of duty:

• 3 Mounted Watchmen who served before 1924.
• 49 Border Patrol Inspectors who fell between 1924 and 1970.
• 101 courageous Border Patrol Agents who have given their lives since 1970.
• 1 dedicated Enforcement Analysis Specialist.

The names listed below are respected and remembered for their ultimate sacrifice in fulfilling the oath to protect and defend the United States of America.

In preserving the historical context, the descriptions about each officer's circumstances are presented with minimal editing to maintain the original "language of the day".

Complying with the Privacy Act of 1974, any causes of death related to lethal illnesses contracted in the line of duty will not be disclosed.

It's noteworthy that Border Patrol Agent John Charles Gigax's name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial, yet his sacrifice is not officially recognized by the Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Border Patrol.

However, ​HonorFirst.com​ proudly acknowledges and includes Agent Gigax among our memorialized heroes.

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.

​Gravesite

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.

Gravesite


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.

​Gravesite


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.

​Gravesite


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 cutting unit.

Gravesite


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.

​Cremated

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