In St. Juste, Maine, an apple orchard planted by CBP Officer Kenneth MacCallum stands as a legacy to his passion and dedication. Known for his love of apple harvesting, Kenneth's dedication extended beyond the orchard to his work with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where he served from 2004 until he passed away in November 2021 due to COVID-19.
Kevin MacCallum, Kenneth’s eldest son, followed in his father's footsteps and joined CBP. He recalls his father’s fondness for the orchard and his commitment to service. “He would always send us pictures of him with his apple harvest,” Kevin shared.
Kenneth’s influence was vast, with his other sons, Scott and Kyle, also joining the Border Patrol. Scott, part of the horse patrol unit in Douglas, Arizona, highlighted his father's inspiring work ethic. "He was just the role model of what a dad should be," Scott said.
Kyle, who serves on the Tucson, Arizona, Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue team, remembers his father’s humor and encouragement. "I do things that I know would make him proud," Kyle reflected.
When Kenneth was diagnosed with COVID-19, it was a difficult period for the family. Kevin described the shock of seeing their healthy father succumb to the disease. “We never talked to him again after that,” Kevin said, recalling the painful experience.
This tragedy spurred Kevin to contribute to CBP's peer support network, offering guidance to others facing hardships. Scott and Kyle also remember those challenging times, acknowledging their father's resilience and determination.
Kenneth's legacy continues through his grandchildren, with Kevin's daughter Alexa expressing interest in joining CBP. "She wants to be a CBP officer," Kevin noted, hopeful about the future of this family tradition.
With its 65,000+ members, the CBP remains steadfast in its mission to protect America's borders. The MacCallum family exemplifies this dedication, honoring Kenneth’s legacy through their service.
