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  4. Tucson Sector Border Patrol Honors Fallen Agents

Tucson Sector Border Patrol Honors Fallen Agents

Release Date
Tue, 05/26/2015
Invitation Cover Photo of the TCA Valor in the Desert Event on May 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

Invitation Cover Photo of the TCA Valor in the Desert Event on May 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. – The Tucson Sector Border Patrol honored their agents who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country at the Valor in the Desert event on Thursday morning.

Agents from across the Tucson Sector spent the morning honoring the 12 Tucson Sector agents who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1926.  Families of the fallen agents were invited to Tucson Sector Headquarters to attend a private ceremony celebrating the lives of their loved ones. Personnel from the eight Border Patrol stations in the sector attended the ceremony. 

After the ceremony, the Tucson Sector Honor Guard Drill Team performed the silent drill routine that they performed during National Police Week in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. Their routine was choreographed to honor the sacrifices made by fallen agents on behalf of the American public.

CPA Manuel Padilla speaks to those in attendance at this years Valor in the Desert Event held at Tucson Sector Headquarters

Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla speaks to those in attendance at this years Valor in the Desert Event held at Tucson Sector Headquarters.

During his remarks at the memorial ceremony, Chief Manuel Padilla Jr. stated, “Their commitment to this country was something real that they lived each and every day. Today it is our turn to show our unending gratitude during this valor in the desert memorial.”

Since the inception of the Border Patrol on May 28, 1924, the men and woman serving the country have been prepared to sacrifice their own lives in the line of duty. The motto of the Border Patrol is “Honor First,” a tradition to which all agents aspire while protecting the homeland.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021