U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, along with other law enforcement agencies, held a memorial ceremony at the National Border Patrol Museum to honor agents who have died in the line of duty. The event took place today in El Paso, Texas.
Interim Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar and other officials were present to pay tribute and offer condolences to the families of fallen agents. "Today's memorial stands as a solemn tribute, honoring the unwavering dedication and ultimate sacrifice of our fallen Border Patrol agents," said Slosar. He added that "the memories of our agents are forever imprinted in our hearts and are a constant reminder of their heroic service in safeguarding our nation's borders."
Since its founding on May 28, 1924, the U.S. Border Patrol has lost 159 agents while serving. During the ceremony, each name was read aloud followed by a bell ringing and a 21-gun salute. A helicopter fly-over by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations from El Paso Air Branch was conducted as part of the tribute. This was followed by a riderless horse saluted by uniformed personnel. The event concluded with the retirement of colors by the El Paso Sector’s Border Patrol Honor Guard.
The memorial ceremony is an annual event aligned with or near the anniversary date marking when the first U.S. Border Patrol Station was established in El Paso.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is described as America's frontline: it is both the nation's largest law enforcement organization and recognized as the world's first unified border management agency, consisting of over 65,000 personnel who safeguard America across various terrains.
