Orange County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch Monday, October 24, 1988
Add to My HeroesMark Steven Tonkin
Deputy Mark Tonkin was killed in a helicopter accident while working on a multi-agency narcotics task force along the United States border.
A suspicious vehicle was spotted in a canyon on a remote access road in the Mountain Springs Grade area. The UH-1H helicopter began to descend when its rotor blades struck power lines and caused it to crash in the foothills of the Laguna Mountains.
Also killed in the accident were Investigator Michael Davis of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Deputy Roy Chester of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Sergeant Richard Romero of the Imperial County Sheriff's Department, Deputy Mark Tonkin of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and the three California National Guard crew members operating the flight.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsDeputy Sheriff Tonkin,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Orange County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 24, 2018
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