United States Department of Labor - Immigration Service - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government
End of Watch Thursday, April 21, 1927
Add to My HeroesThaddeus "Thad" Pippin
Patrol Inspector Thad Pippin was shot and killed while tracking suspected smugglers along the Rio Grande River near the El Paso Brick Company plant one mile west of El Paso, Texas.
A team of four inspectors began tracking a pack train, but were uncertain which trail the smugglers had taken. The team split up to two teams to guard two different trails. During the deployment Inspector Pippin and his partner engaged the suspects in a gunfight and Inspector Pippin was fatally wounded. His partner was also seriously wounded but survived.
The other inspectors rushed to the scene to offer assistance. They were able to confiscate liquor and two burrows but no suspects were ever apprehended.
Inspector Pippin had served with the United States Border Patrol for 11 months. He was survived by his mother. He was buried in Bryan, Texas.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 11 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location New Mexico
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender No suspects apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsI am the grandsonson of Ray Pippin. The nephew of Thad Pippin. I am just discovering this story in 2025. As a servicemember, I honor his sacrifice..as a family member, I am proud. As an American..I am ashamed it took 100 years after his passing to install barriers on that mountain. How many other victims have there been since that time? R.I.P inspector.
Spc. Tyler Lewis OKARNG recon 1-279
Great Nephew
February 11, 2025
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