United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Wednesday, July 14, 1993
Add to My HeroesCarl Richard Talafous
Pilot Rick Talafous was killed in a helicopter crash along with two other U.S. Customs Service agents and a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent.
The Sikorsky UH-60A they were in struck high-tension power lines 82 feet above the Altamaha River near Hortense, Georgia, as the agents searched for clandestine airstrips and marijuana grow operations.
Pilot Talafous was a United States Air Force veteran. He is survived by his parents and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
- Location Georgia
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsRick (Stick) was the consummate professional fighter pilot/attack helicopter pilot/U.S. Customs Special Agent. I had the honor and privilege to work with Rick for many years. I will miss you greatly and will always remember you. You were an astute prognosticator! Alpha Mike Foxtrot!!
SSA, Rick Orluk
U.S. Customs-Investigations
March 5, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Patrolman Joseph Barlow
McAlester Police Department, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Jeremy McCain
Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: March 20, 2023

Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith
Hermann Police Department, MO
EOW: March 12, 2023

Master Trooper James R. Bailey
Indiana State Police, IN
EOW: March 3, 2023

Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: March 1, 2023

Correctional Officer Jay Miller
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: February 11, 2023

Detention Officer Kenneth Fowler
Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office, OK
EOW: February 19, 2023

Sergeant Christopher D. Fitzgerald
Temple University Police Department, PA
EOW: February 18, 2023

Police Officer Geoffrey Redd
Memphis Police Department, TN
EOW: February 18, 2023