Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I found this site by accident and I'm glad I did. I worked with Jeff at the Eagle Pass Border Patrol Station from the time he entered on duty, until the day he was killed. As Steve stated in an earlier message, Jeff was one of the hardest workers we had. He stayed until the last alien was tracked out, brought in and processed. I can go on for hours on the many interesting times Bill Fox, Gary Lickert, Shawn Gisler, Steve Lewis, George Baxter, Louie Valderrama and countless other Agents had working with him, but I need to say this; Jeff was not only a tireless Border Patrol Agent, he was a friend that you could count on to the end.

I wish things could have turned out different for him and Bill Fox, and I will always cherish the times we spent working the river and brush together as some of the best times in my life. I am proud to have known both of you.

God bless you guys.

Bob Jolicoeur
Field Office Director, DHS/ICE/DRO

October 23, 2007

Rest in Peace, Agent Barr. You most certainly have not been forgotten. Watch over this Nation and its protectors from above.

Detective
Chicago Police Department

April 19, 2007

I remember that night over 11 years ago, when Jeff was taken away from us. It isn't a night I care to remember.

I had just passed my one year anniversary with the Patrol, one week prior. I knew of Jeff, his reputation as a hard worker and had seen him around the office. He was always friendly, respectful and had an encouraging word to give. I had recently been placed on Jeff's unit and was getting to know him better. I'd actually spent a few nights working with, or should I say getting worn out with, Jeff. His work prowess and dedication is by no means an exaggeration.

One or two days prior to the incident, we'd bonded over some venison burgers, brought by and cooked up by Steve Lewis. The whole unit was there, freezing cold huddled over fire barrels, swapping tales and laughs. Jeff was schooling us new agents on how to become better agents. That is the most persistent memory that I have of Jeff. Outside in the freezing cold, laughing , schooling us new guys, as well as some of the grizzled vets and just loving life.

We're still missing you Jeff.

Special Agent Kevin Burgin
Immigration & Customs Enforcement

April 8, 2007

I worked with Jeff during the early part of 1989 up until his untimely death in 1996. I hold the highest degree of respect for his work ethic and dedication to the cause for which he had sworn to uphold. Jeff was an inspiration and pleasure to work with. As a trainee agent, Jeff showed me a lot of sign-cutting techniques and other skills that would enable me to do my job more effectively. I remember the tireless energy Jeff displayed one night we were assigned to work near the Bibb house (which, concidentally overlooked the area where he was gunned down some years later). I was fresh out of the Academy and Jeff wanted to test me, so he ran me nearly to death that night, up, over and through the high grass, and around the mesquites and cacti. I lost my pistol somewhere along the way, so we stayed out there 'til the wee hours of the morning until we found it. As a trainee losing his gun, my ass would have been "fried" to say the least, but, being the kind of person Jeff was, he treated me with the utmost respect and consideration concerning my predicament. He could have "ratted" me out to my supervisor when we returned to the station, but he didn't. Jeff was not that type of person. He was so far above the pettiness that we mortals preoccupy ourselves with. Jeff won my respect and admiration from that day forward.

SBPA Andre B. Graves
U.S. Border Patrol Fort Brown Station

November 9, 2006

Senior Patrol Agent Jefferson Barr was the most productive agent at the Eagle Pass, TX Border Patrol Station. Likewise it can safely be said that no one worked as hard as Jeff of the approximately 100 agents assigned to the Eagle Pass, Station. His tenacity and determination to make arrest/seizures was unparalleled. Jeff was an extraordinary agent.
Agent Barr displayed a high sense of duty to protect the Borders of the U.S. from the inundation of unlawful migrants and illicit drugs. Agent Barr had exceptional initiative in detecting the foot tracks of alien/contraband smugglers and relentlessly following them with great skill through all terrain. Agent Barr would work insane hours to produce the arrest for undocumented aliens, contraband smugglers and other related criminal cases. Agent Barrs' indomitable spirit and strong competitive drive produced more than what was expected.
Agent Barr was a member of the Del Rio Sector Special Response Tactical Team. With qualities like initiative and self-motivation skills, many agents were drawn to Agent Barr, which would benefit his team and the overall operation of the station. Critical situations tend to point out those who possess leadership/warrior
qualities. Agent Barr unhesitatingly met the challenges, steered through any chaos, and would make an arrest. Agent Barr routinely used self-motivation skills to re-instill in a team the refusal to give up. A normal work day for Jeff Barr would be 11 to 15 diligent hours. He would thwart the persistent schemes of the illicit smugglers after shift change because of his devotion to duty. Agent Barr never put off a task given to him and on many occasions completed tasks and duties other agents failed to do. Jefferson Barr always got the job done.
Were do we find such men anymore? A real man would never let the fear of death overcome his honor and sense of duty to his country and manhood. Jefferson Barr has set a standard to be met for the Border Patrol. We must earn it. We can never truely earn what has been purchased at the ultimate price, but we can do our best.
We must build men like Jefferson Barr, train them, prepare them. There is no more important endevor for Americas civilization.
Stephen Lewis
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
Firearms Dept. Artesia, NM

SBPA Stephen Lewis
U.S. Border Patrol

October 25, 2006

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

January 19, 2005

Agent Barr,
On this, the 9th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice to our Country and to the Patrol. We'll never forget to honor you, after all, we all bleed green in the Patrol.

Mike Casey
El Paso Station

Senior Patrol Agent Michael F. Casey
United States Border Patrol

January 19, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

V-28
USBP

January 19, 2005

I entered on duty with the USBP shortly after the 1st anniversary of Agent Barr's death. I served almost five years at Eagle Pass, Texas, where Agent Barr served and ultimately was killed. I served with many of his friends and former co-workers, and observed that he was well thought of and respected by all. His memory there was still fresh on the minds of his friends, and remains so to this day. He was well respected and loved, and known as a hard-working agent who set a good example for others. I never knew him, but will never forget the memory he left. God Bless, and Godspeed, Jeff. You are not forgotten, even by those who come after you.

Special Agent K. F. Cummings
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

June 8, 2004

I was on duty with the old INS when this incident happen. It was such a tradegy. This agent I heard was an fine law enforcement officer. May god protect his family. BPA Barr was an tribute to an fine organization that does a thankless job but very important job. May god bless.

Ex Federal Law Enforcement Officer

April 23, 2004

RIP bother, your death is not in vane!

Anonymous

January 13, 2004