This Week in USBP History
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This week marks a remarkable week spanning July 5 through July 11, highlighting more than a century of United States Border Patrol history. This week’s edition traces the evolution of the Patrol from Frank Berkshire’s 1913 recommendations that helped shape the future of the organization, to historic training, uniforms, and personnel decisions that influenced generations of Border Patrol professionals. It also honors the extraordinary courage of agents whose actions earned the Newton-Azrak Award, recognizing acts of heroism ranging from dangerous fugitive apprehensions and life-saving rescues to courageous responses during catastrophic vehicle crashes and natural disasters. Most importantly, we remember the fallen men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty, ensuring their sacrifice and dedication to the nation are never forgotten. Their service, alongside the countless acts of professionalism and bravery documented throughout this week, reflects the enduring tradition of Honor First that continues to define the United States Border Patrol.
THIS WEEK'S USBP ANNIVERSARIES AND MILESTONES
July 5 - July 11
July 5
On July 5, 1913, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a 5-page memo with recommended modifications to the position of Mounted Inspector.
On July 5, 1934, the Acting District Director of the El Paso District wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General touting the successes of the the El Paso and Marfa Sub-district shooting teams. The memo provide the scores of a competition between the two sub-districts where Marfa was the winner.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
Darrel Welsh
Senior Patrol Agent
Tucson Sector
On July 5, 1992, the largest manhunt in the history of the State of Arizona ended when escaped fugitive Danny Ray Horning was captured by Senior Patrol Agent Darrel Welsh. The actions of Agent Welsh were the result of a great deal of professionalism and devotion to duty. Horning was serving multiple life sentences for armed robbery, aggravated assault, and kidnapping and burglary. He had also been indicted for murder and dismemberment of the body of a witness against his brother in the State of California. Following what the FBI believed a frivolous lead, Agent Welsh responded to the area of a reported sighting. He confirmed the boot-print left by Horning and concluded he was indeed in the area. A short time later, Agent Welsh leaped into the ditch where Horning was huddled and single-handedly took him into custody.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
Paul Delgado Jr. - photo, photo 2, award set
Border Patrol Agent
Sanderson, TX
James E. Clark - photo, award certificate, award set
Border Patrol Agent
Sanderson, TX
Caleb R. Smith - award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Sanderson, TX
Leonel Calderon Jr. - award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Sanderson, TX
On the evening of July 5, 2021, along Texas Highway 349 near Sanderson, TX, a high-speed chase involving a Texas State Trooper ended in a catastrophic crash when a vehicle loaded with subjects hit a rock face at over 100 MPH and burst into flames. Four Border Patrol Agents – Paul Delgado Jr., James E. Clark, Caleb R. Smith, and Leonel Calderon Jr. – displayed extraordinary heroism in response to this crisis.
Agent Paul Delgado Jr. courageously approached the burning vehicle, removed the windshield, and cut the seatbelts to rescue the trapped subjects, despite the intense heat melting his Leatherman tool. Simultaneously, Agent James E. Clark used a fire extinguisher to combat the flames and entered the burning vehicle to assist in extracting the injured subjects, persisting even after an explosion.
Agent Caleb R. Smith, amidst the peril, removed multiple injured subjects from the vehicle, and after an explosion, he ensured the safety of another agent before returning to the fiery scene to continue the rescue efforts. Agent Leonel Calderon Jr. faced the challenge of rescuing a severely injured and combative subject, managing to move the individual to safety and provide life-saving measures amidst the dangerous flames.
Together, these agents' quick actions, bravery, and selflessness under extreme conditions exemplify the highest standards of the Border Patrol, saving lives and bringing great credit to themselves and their organization.
July 6
On July 6, 1931, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent a memo to the Commissioner-General. The report was written by Senior Patrol Inspector Gottlieb Widmer Linnenkohl (1891-1952). Mentioned in the memo are:
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Edwin H. Wheeler
Date of Birth: November 1, 1908
Entered on Duty: November 12, 1940
Title: Patrol Inspector in Charge
End of Watch: July 6, 1952
Details:
At about 9:45 p.m. on July 6, 1952, Patrol Inspector in Charge Edwin H. Wheeler was involved in a head-on auto collision on Highway 59 near a bridge spanning the Nueces River approximately four miles south of Mathis, Texas, in San Patricio County. Inspector Wheeler was in a government automobile traveling in a southerly direction after having been in Mathis on official business. It collided with an automobile driven by Milton Mareth, who was hospitalized with a fractured left arm. Three other passengers with Mareth received superficial cuts and bruises.
Shortly after the accident, Inspector Wheeler's body was discovered lying on the front seat of the automobile, which had traveled over 400 feet beyond the point of original impact. His body was positioned as though it had fallen from behind the steering wheel, giving the appearance that he had been driving the automobile.
Inspector Wheeler was pronounced dead by a nurse who stopped at the scene of the accident. The body was removed to a mortuary in Alice, Texas, where, at 1:30 p.m. the following day, a bullet hole was discovered in Inspector Wheeler's head. An autopsy performed on July 7, 1952, revealed death was instantaneous from a bullet wound in the head above the right ear.
Investigation into various aspects of the case led to the conclusion that Inspector Wheeler was shot to death by an unknown person or persons.
Gravesite
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Leopoldo Cavazos, Jr.
Date of Birth May 12, 1983
Entered on Duty: May 22, 2006
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 6, 2012
Details:
On July 6, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Leopoldo Cavazos Jr., a six-year veteran posted at the Fort Hancock Station, died from injuries sustained in an on-duty, all-terrain vehicle accident near the Fort Hancock Port of Entry. Agent Cavazos is survived by his wife, two daughters and a third child expected later this summer.
Agent Cavazos entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on May 22, 2006, as a member of the 621st Session of the Border Patrol Academy. After graduating from the Academy, he was assigned to the Fort Hancock Station in the El Paso Sector.
Gravesite
July 7
Line of Duty Death anniversary/ Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
Susan L. Rodriguez - Posthumously Awarded
Date of Birth: July 11, 1969
Entered on Duty: September 20, 1992
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 7, 1998
Gravesite
Ricardo G. Salinas - Posthumously Awarded
Date of Birth: April 29, 1974
Entered on Duty: September 8, 1997
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 7, 1998
Gravesite
Orlando Sanchez
Senior Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
On July 7, 1998, Border Patrol Agents Susan L. Rodriguez, Ricardo G. Salinas, and Senior Patrol Agent Orlando Sanchez responded to assist the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office in the search for a suspect wanted for a double homicide in Rio Hondo, Texas.
After arriving at the scene, the agents and other law enforcement personnel established a perimeter near the residence where the murders had taken place. As the agents were walking back to their vehicles, the suspect, concealed in a cornfield across from the residence and adjacent to the vehicles, opened fire.
Agent Ricardo G. Salinas was struck in the head and died instantly. Agent Susan L. Rodriguez was hit in the leg and neck and critically wounded. Cameron County Deputy Raul Rodriguez was also shot in the upper torso. The suspect continued to fire on Senior Patrol Agent Sanchez, who took cover in an adjacent field and returned fire.
A barrage of gunfire was exchanged between the suspect, SPA Sanchez, Cameron County deputies, and two Harlingen Police Department officers. The suspect was eventually hit and dropped his weapon.
After the threat was neutralized, SPA Sanchez immediately attempted to render aid to Agents Rodriguez and Salinas, radioed for emergency medical support, and assisted EMS personnel. Agent Rodriguez was airlifted from the scene but died en route to the hospital.
Agent Rodriguez entered on duty on September 20, 1992, and graduated from the 261st session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. She was the first female agent in the history of the Border Patrol to be killed in the line of duty. Agent Salinas entered on duty on September 8, 1997, graduating from the 351st session of the Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.
SPA Sanchez’s actions were instrumental in stopping the suspect and coordinating the emergency response. His conduct brought great credit to himself and the United States Border Patrol. For their actions on July 7, 1998, Agents Rodriguez and Salinas were posthumously awarded the Newton-Azrak Award. SPA Sanchez was also awarded the Newton-Azrak Award for his decisive and courageous response during the incident.
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.
On July 7, 1998, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a pleasure boat carrying four occupants struck a steel-and-concrete breakwater adjacent to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina, leaving all four victims seriously injured and one trapped aboard the nearly vertical vessel. Border Patrol Academy Trainees Miguel T. Acosta and Alan Zeitvogel, along with several fellow trainees, immediately entered the dark, fuel-contaminated waters surrounding the wreck to rescue the victims. Drawing upon their prior emergency medical experience, Acosta and Zeitvogel directed the rescue effort, stabilized the injured, improvised backboards, and continued providing emergency medical care until local first responders arrived. Academy officials later concluded that their rapid response and medical expertise “certainly” saved the lives of the accident victims, making the incident an enduring example of the Border Patrol’s tradition of Honor First.
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 7, 1988, the roof of La Tienda Amigo department store in Brownsville, Texas, collapsed during a heavy rainstorm that dropped more than two inches of rain in less than 30 minutes. The collapse trapped customers and employees beneath the rubble, killing at least 11 people and injuring 43 others. Border Patrol Agent Thomas W. Slowinski and his Service Canine “Barco” responded to Brownsville to assist with the search-and-rescue operation. Working amid unstable debris and hazardous conditions, Agent Slowinski and Barco searched for victims trapped in the wreckage and helped in the rescue efforts. During the search, another portion of the damaged structure collapsed, placing Agent Slowinski and Barco in further danger. Despite the conditions, they were able to make their way out of the rubble without injury. Six survivors were ultimately pulled from the ruins, including four children.
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
On July 5, 1913, future Chief and Father of the Border Patrol Frank Berkshire (1870-1934) wrote a 5-page memo with recommended modifications to the position of Mounted Inspector.
- One of the recommendations in the memo was to rename the the Mounted Inspectors to "Junior Inspectors".
- On a related note, in 1924, Border Patrol Inspectors had no immigration authority. By law, authority rested with employees who had the title "Immigrant Inspector" who were paid more than Border Patrol Inspectors. In order that Border Patrol Inspectors might receive legal authority without being paid more, the Commissioner-General wrote a proposal to the Second Assistant Secretary of the Department a Labor requesting to resurrect a plan that was used in 1913 for Mounted Watchmen, and to rename Border Patrol Inspectors, "Junior Immigrant Inspectors". See this document.
On July 5, 1934, the Acting District Director of the El Paso District wrote a memo to the Commissioner-General touting the successes of the the El Paso and Marfa Sub-district shooting teams. The memo provide the scores of a competition between the two sub-districts where Marfa was the winner.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
Darrel Welsh
Senior Patrol Agent
Tucson Sector
On July 5, 1992, the largest manhunt in the history of the State of Arizona ended when escaped fugitive Danny Ray Horning was captured by Senior Patrol Agent Darrel Welsh. The actions of Agent Welsh were the result of a great deal of professionalism and devotion to duty. Horning was serving multiple life sentences for armed robbery, aggravated assault, and kidnapping and burglary. He had also been indicted for murder and dismemberment of the body of a witness against his brother in the State of California. Following what the FBI believed a frivolous lead, Agent Welsh responded to the area of a reported sighting. He confirmed the boot-print left by Horning and concluded he was indeed in the area. A short time later, Agent Welsh leaped into the ditch where Horning was huddled and single-handedly took him into custody.
Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
Paul Delgado Jr. - photo, photo 2, award set
Border Patrol Agent
Sanderson, TX
James E. Clark - photo, award certificate, award set
Border Patrol Agent
Sanderson, TX
Caleb R. Smith - award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Sanderson, TX
Leonel Calderon Jr. - award certificate
Border Patrol Agent
Sanderson, TX
On the evening of July 5, 2021, along Texas Highway 349 near Sanderson, TX, a high-speed chase involving a Texas State Trooper ended in a catastrophic crash when a vehicle loaded with subjects hit a rock face at over 100 MPH and burst into flames. Four Border Patrol Agents – Paul Delgado Jr., James E. Clark, Caleb R. Smith, and Leonel Calderon Jr. – displayed extraordinary heroism in response to this crisis.
Agent Paul Delgado Jr. courageously approached the burning vehicle, removed the windshield, and cut the seatbelts to rescue the trapped subjects, despite the intense heat melting his Leatherman tool. Simultaneously, Agent James E. Clark used a fire extinguisher to combat the flames and entered the burning vehicle to assist in extracting the injured subjects, persisting even after an explosion.
Agent Caleb R. Smith, amidst the peril, removed multiple injured subjects from the vehicle, and after an explosion, he ensured the safety of another agent before returning to the fiery scene to continue the rescue efforts. Agent Leonel Calderon Jr. faced the challenge of rescuing a severely injured and combative subject, managing to move the individual to safety and provide life-saving measures amidst the dangerous flames.
Together, these agents' quick actions, bravery, and selflessness under extreme conditions exemplify the highest standards of the Border Patrol, saving lives and bringing great credit to themselves and their organization.
July 6
On July 6, 1931, El Paso District Director Grover W. Wilmoth (1884-1951) sent a memo to the Commissioner-General. The report was written by Senior Patrol Inspector Gottlieb Widmer Linnenkohl (1891-1952). Mentioned in the memo are:
- Chief Patrol Inspector Herbert Horsley (1878-1962),
- Senior Patrol Inspector Ammon M. Tenney (1897-1961),
- Patrol Inspector Orin A. Toole (1901-1980),
- Patrol Inspector Charles Askins, Jr. (1907-1999)
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Edwin H. Wheeler
Date of Birth: November 1, 1908
Entered on Duty: November 12, 1940
Title: Patrol Inspector in Charge
End of Watch: July 6, 1952
Details:
At about 9:45 p.m. on July 6, 1952, Patrol Inspector in Charge Edwin H. Wheeler was involved in a head-on auto collision on Highway 59 near a bridge spanning the Nueces River approximately four miles south of Mathis, Texas, in San Patricio County. Inspector Wheeler was in a government automobile traveling in a southerly direction after having been in Mathis on official business. It collided with an automobile driven by Milton Mareth, who was hospitalized with a fractured left arm. Three other passengers with Mareth received superficial cuts and bruises.
Shortly after the accident, Inspector Wheeler's body was discovered lying on the front seat of the automobile, which had traveled over 400 feet beyond the point of original impact. His body was positioned as though it had fallen from behind the steering wheel, giving the appearance that he had been driving the automobile.
Inspector Wheeler was pronounced dead by a nurse who stopped at the scene of the accident. The body was removed to a mortuary in Alice, Texas, where, at 1:30 p.m. the following day, a bullet hole was discovered in Inspector Wheeler's head. An autopsy performed on July 7, 1952, revealed death was instantaneous from a bullet wound in the head above the right ear.
Investigation into various aspects of the case led to the conclusion that Inspector Wheeler was shot to death by an unknown person or persons.
Gravesite
Line of Duty Death anniversary
Leopoldo Cavazos, Jr.
Date of Birth May 12, 1983
Entered on Duty: May 22, 2006
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 6, 2012
Details:
On July 6, 2012, Border Patrol Agent Leopoldo Cavazos Jr., a six-year veteran posted at the Fort Hancock Station, died from injuries sustained in an on-duty, all-terrain vehicle accident near the Fort Hancock Port of Entry. Agent Cavazos is survived by his wife, two daughters and a third child expected later this summer.
Agent Cavazos entered on duty with the U.S. Border Patrol on May 22, 2006, as a member of the 621st Session of the Border Patrol Academy. After graduating from the Academy, he was assigned to the Fort Hancock Station in the El Paso Sector.
Gravesite
July 7
Line of Duty Death anniversary/ Newton-Azrak Award action anniversary
Susan L. Rodriguez - Posthumously Awarded
Date of Birth: July 11, 1969
Entered on Duty: September 20, 1992
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 7, 1998
Gravesite
Ricardo G. Salinas - Posthumously Awarded
Date of Birth: April 29, 1974
Entered on Duty: September 8, 1997
Title: Border Patrol Agent
End of Watch: July 7, 1998
Gravesite
Orlando Sanchez
Senior Patrol Agent
McAllen Sector
On July 7, 1998, Border Patrol Agents Susan L. Rodriguez, Ricardo G. Salinas, and Senior Patrol Agent Orlando Sanchez responded to assist the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office in the search for a suspect wanted for a double homicide in Rio Hondo, Texas.
After arriving at the scene, the agents and other law enforcement personnel established a perimeter near the residence where the murders had taken place. As the agents were walking back to their vehicles, the suspect, concealed in a cornfield across from the residence and adjacent to the vehicles, opened fire.
Agent Ricardo G. Salinas was struck in the head and died instantly. Agent Susan L. Rodriguez was hit in the leg and neck and critically wounded. Cameron County Deputy Raul Rodriguez was also shot in the upper torso. The suspect continued to fire on Senior Patrol Agent Sanchez, who took cover in an adjacent field and returned fire.
A barrage of gunfire was exchanged between the suspect, SPA Sanchez, Cameron County deputies, and two Harlingen Police Department officers. The suspect was eventually hit and dropped his weapon.
After the threat was neutralized, SPA Sanchez immediately attempted to render aid to Agents Rodriguez and Salinas, radioed for emergency medical support, and assisted EMS personnel. Agent Rodriguez was airlifted from the scene but died en route to the hospital.
Agent Rodriguez entered on duty on September 20, 1992, and graduated from the 261st session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia. She was the first female agent in the history of the Border Patrol to be killed in the line of duty. Agent Salinas entered on duty on September 8, 1997, graduating from the 351st session of the Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.
SPA Sanchez’s actions were instrumental in stopping the suspect and coordinating the emergency response. His conduct brought great credit to himself and the United States Border Patrol. For their actions on July 7, 1998, Agents Rodriguez and Salinas were posthumously awarded the Newton-Azrak Award. SPA Sanchez was also awarded the Newton-Azrak Award for his decisive and courageous response during the incident.
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:
- Donald Kee and William F. Buckelew in 1954
- Douglas C. Shute and James M. Carter in 1956
- Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak in 1967
- Friedrich Karl and John S. Blue in 1973
- Susan L. Rodriguez and Ricardo G. Salinas in 1998
- Jesus de la Ossa and Thomas J. Williams in 1998
- Travis W. Attaway and Jeremy M. Wilson in 2004
- Ramon Nevarez, Jr. and David J. Tourscher in 2007
- 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.
On July 7, 1998, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a pleasure boat carrying four occupants struck a steel-and-concrete breakwater adjacent to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Charleston, South Carolina, leaving all four victims seriously injured and one trapped aboard the nearly vertical vessel. Border Patrol Academy Trainees Miguel T. Acosta and Alan Zeitvogel, along with several fellow trainees, immediately entered the dark, fuel-contaminated waters surrounding the wreck to rescue the victims. Drawing upon their prior emergency medical experience, Acosta and Zeitvogel directed the rescue effort, stabilized the injured, improvised backboards, and continued providing emergency medical care until local first responders arrived. Academy officials later concluded that their rapid response and medical expertise “certainly” saved the lives of the accident victims, making the incident an enduring example of the Border Patrol’s tradition of Honor First.
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 7, 1988, the roof of La Tienda Amigo department store in Brownsville, Texas, collapsed during a heavy rainstorm that dropped more than two inches of rain in less than 30 minutes. The collapse trapped customers and employees beneath the rubble, killing at least 11 people and injuring 43 others. Border Patrol Agent Thomas W. Slowinski and his Service Canine “Barco” responded to Brownsville to assist with the search-and-rescue operation. Working amid unstable debris and hazardous conditions, Agent Slowinski and Barco searched for victims trapped in the wreckage and helped in the rescue efforts. During the search, another portion of the damaged structure collapsed, placing Agent Slowinski and Barco in further danger. Despite the conditions, they were able to make their way out of the rubble without injury. Six survivors were ultimately pulled from the ruins, including four children.
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.
- From - HONOR FIRST: The Story of the United States Border Patrol - Volume I by Joseph Banco
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.
- The second page of the document contains a photo of one of the earlier examples of a USBP rough duty uniform.
- The memo also mentions Chief Patrol Inspector Herbert Clifford “Herb” Gerrish (1896-1976).
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)
- Harlon Carter was Chief of the Border Patrol 1950-1957 and the first Chief to have graduated from the Academy (photo).
- Patrol Inspector Gillis later transferred to the U.S. Customs Service, where he remained until his untimely death at the age of 48 in 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
