United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - Detention and Deportation, U.S. Government
End of Watch Wednesday, January 28, 1948
Add to My HeroesFrank Eugene Chaffin
Security Officer Frank Chaffin was killed in a plane crash in Fresno County while transporting 28 immigrant workers who had been in the country on a one-year contract. The workers were being transported from Oakland, California to the INS detention center in El Centro, California at the expiration of their contract.
The chartered DC-3 was flying at an altitude of approximately 1,500-feet when its right engine caught fire and its wing subsequently fell off. The plane crashed to the ground in Los Gatos Canyon, near Coalinga, killing Officer Chaffin, the three members of the flight crew, and all 28 workers.
A nearby prison work crew rushed to the scene and attempted to extinguish the flames of the wreckage.
Bio
- Age 63
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
- Location California
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsOfficer Chaffin,
On today, the 66th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Service. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
A fellow Immigration Officer
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
January 28, 2014
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