Security Officer Frank Eugene Chaffin

Security Officer Frank Eugene Chaffin

United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - Detention and Deportation, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, January 28, 1948

Frank Eugene Chaffin

Security Officer Frank Chaffin was killed in a plane crash in Fresno County while transporting 28 illegal immigrants from Oakland, California, to the INS detention center in El Centro, California.

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 illegal aliens.

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 Reflections

Officer 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