Officer Down Memorial Page

As I look at the faces of the men and women here, I see the faces of my co-workers. I can imagine each of them shooting the bull and swapping war stories at choir practice as the meat sizzles on the grill. I see them laughing, pranking and teasing their fellow agents, as we often do when we relieve stress. I wish that each of them were still here to share the good times.

And I feel compelled to look at each of the faces here and remember…to remember that each of them made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country and we should NEVER forget them or their service.

Too often the sacrifices of those who serve our country are overlooked or casually dismissed by the very public they served so selflessly. But WE should never forget them…each and every one of them. May they each rest in peace eternally in God’s loving embrace.

SBPA James Doran
US Border Patrol
July 22, 2008

Inspector Scannell,
On today, the 78th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Patrol.

R.I.P.
A fellow BPA

Anonymous
September 9, 2007

The following testiment written is 1929 was found in the Marfa Sector Headquarters. It still is posted there today.

BORDER PATROL
U.S. IMMIGRATION SERVICE

WHEREAS, MYLES J SCANNELL, Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector of the Border Patrol of the United States Immigration Service, did at seven forty-five o’clock on the morning of September 8, 1929, at Polvo, Texas make the supreme sacrifice by giving his life to his Country.

WHEREAS, he had successively as a Mounted Guard, Mounted Watchman, Patrol Inspector, Senior Patrol Inspector and Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector, given unstintedly of his talents and with devotion and courage, in the enforcement of the laws of his Country, and

WHEREAS, through his devotion, fearlessness, honesty, loyalty, wisdom, friendly helpfulness, he endeared himself to, and set an example for, his fellow officers inspiring in those of the organization to which he had consecrated his life, whom it was his duty to guide and train, the very highest ideals of manhood and righteousness, and

WHEREAS, his place in this organization and in the hearts of his fellow officers can never be filled by another, and

WHEREAS, the good he as done will live after him throughout the years to come and his life will be a lasting inspiration to the officers who knew and survive him, and

WHEREAS, no officer of this organization has more fully live up to its watch-word “HONOR FIRST”, and

WHEREAS, we, his fellow officers, realizing the loss and the depth of sorrow suffered by the kinsfolk of the deceased, through his untimely taking off, and realizing especially what it may mean in the way of pride and inspiration to the fatherless by when he reaches man’s estate to know in what esteem his father was held and how honorably he lived and died in the service of his County,

WE, his brother officers, tender this testimonial, and

RESOLVE, that copies hereof be furnished to his kinfolk and that copy be filed with and made a part of the permanent official. Record of the organization.

Subscribed at Marfa Texas this 10th day of September 1929.

"HONOR FIRST" then, now, forever

Carry Huffman
Deputy Chief Patrol Agent, Marfa Sector
August 2, 2007

Senior Inspector Scannell:

I served eight years in the U.S. Border Patrol, the last two in Presidio, Texas-the station where you worked when you lost your life. After I arrived in Presidio and learned of your fate, I realized that a local memorial had not been placed anywhere in Presidio for your sacrifice. I was attempting to erect a memorial-with approval and encouragement from my superiors in the patrol, as well as some of your relatives that I had contacted-when I was offered a position in Oklahoma City as a Special Agent with ICE.

I left the project behind in the hands of some fellow agents, but I believe that it unfortunately failed to be completed. Hardly a day goes by that I do not think about your sacrifice. I read the autopsy report, and I read the letter you wrote requesting a new vehicle the day you were killed. As you put it, the vehicle you had at that time on the rough Texas roads made your "backside sore". It was entertaining to read. I provided the picture of you that ODMP currently uses on your memorial page, and I know so much more about you than I do some of my own relatives.

Thank you for the sacrifice, and please remember that I will always carry a memorial in my heart, and you will always be on my mind. Maybe, in due time, I can make it back to Presidio and see that a proper memorial befitting a man of your caliber be erected if one has not yet been by the time I arrive. Maybe, if you have the time, keep an eye out in my direction to help me get through my career safely so I can work on getting you the recognition that you deserve.

You are not forgotten.

Senior Special Agent Van Stephens
DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
December 23, 2006

Rest in peace brother.

V-28
USBP
September 9, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

RDC, SBPA
US Border Patrol
September 9, 2004