Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Pilot Walter Scott Panchison

United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government

End of Watch Friday, October 23, 1998

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Reflections for Pilot Walter Scott Panchison

To Officer Panchison and Family

I was a Volunteer Firefighter, and the first person to reach the crash site. I have never forgot that day or you’re sacrifice. Your service to this country is an inspiration. I can only say to Scott Rest In Peace. And to the family know he gave his life for this country, and is a true hero.

Darren Laughlin (Former)Firefighter
Whatcom Co. District 1

April 17, 2019

Pilot Panchison,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a LEO but when you served with the USMC-especially during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
Mike Casey USBP/former USMC

Michael Casey
United States Border Patrol

October 23, 2018

Scott was my U.S. Border Patrol Instructor pilot in 1984, Tucson Sector. Scott was an outstanding bush pilot, friend and instructor. Both of us had served during the Nam era, aviation carrier operations.

Special Agent John Slaglde
U.S.B.P. (ret) U.S. Navy ABH P.O.

May 16, 2015

I graduated from NROTC at Utah with Scott. As a Marine he chose a very tough path opting for the HIGHLY contested Marine pilot position. He was an outstanding pilot as shown by his selection. He served his country in the unpopular Viet Nam War. Sorry I'm so late finding out. Fly into the sunset.

Captain Northwest Airlines, retired
US Navy ROTC, University of Utah

February 26, 2015

I am currently at the USCBP Chaplaincy Academy in Artesia NM and was assigned Mr. Panchison as my Silent Partner during training. As a fellow aviator for CBP, I have been touch by his legacy and he has inspired to continue serving as a Pilot and a now Chaplain for CBP.

Thank you for your service...

Javier Ramirez
Air Interdiction Agent
CBP OAM

Air Interdiction Agent
CBP OAM

July 26, 2014

Served with Scott in the Marine Corps. After our tours in Vietnam we were flight instructors for new pilots going in to the F4 Phantom in 1974-76.
Scott was a quiet guy with a great sense of humor, a consummate professional and a man who believed in the good of his country . . .A country he died serving.
May he always rest in peace.

LtCol Richard K. Ward
USMC (Retired)

January 8, 2014

Gone but never forgotten.

Thank you for your service to our country; RIP.

LODD Survivor
Washington State Concerns of Police Survivors

October 23, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 13, 2012

I had the pleasure of working with this intelligent and wise man for 10 years in Blaine. The value of his advice has stood the test of time. Scott, I think of you often.

Joe King
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

February 14, 2011

Scott and Family,

I still remember dispatch trying to raise you on the radio to no avail and how deeply stunned I was when I learned of your fate. I will always cherish our sit down sessions with all the other Blaine PA's and our time flying over the Puget Sound. It's hard to believe its been almost 12 years. You were a good man and it was a privilege to have known you.

Special Agent Rick Pattee
ICE-EX BPA

October 13, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the eleventh anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was also your brother in green as well. Semper Fi.

Rest In Peace.

To your family: I understand the meaning of lives forever altered and know that the hurt of losing a beloved never goes away...the pain and pride are forever. I pray for your solace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 23, 2009

As I look at the faces of the men and women here, I see the faces of my co-workers. I can imagine each of them shooting the bull and swapping war stories at choir practice as the meat sizzles on the grill. I see them laughing, pranking and teasing their fellow agents, as we often do when we relieve stress. I wish that each of them were still here to share the good times.

And I feel compelled to look at each of the faces here and remember…to remember that each of them made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country and we should NEVER forget them or their service.

Too often the sacrifices of those who serve our country are overlooked or casually dismissed by the very public they served so selflessly. But WE should never forget them…each and every one of them. May they each rest in peace eternally in God’s loving embrace.

SBPA James Doran
US Border Patrol

July 22, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 19, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your police and military service

VanDenBerghe
NH

October 19, 2007

I always counted on you putting your head around the corner and your "Chief do you have a minute." No matter how bad my day we could always have that conversation that left me feeling better. One of the best pilots I have ever flown with. You are missed by all that knew and worked with you.

Chief Patrol Agent (Ret) Carey James
U.S. Border Patrol

November 29, 2005

Pilot Panchison,
On today, the 7th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Patrol-not just as a Border Patrol Agent, but as a U.S. Marine as well.

Semper Fi Devil Dog
A fellow BPA;former Marine

October 23, 2005

Scott was my NROTC little brother who showed me the ropes at the University of Utah. He was caring and even then carried the qualities of leadership that he displayed in the Marines and in the Border Patrol. Scott did not command. He led. He served as an example. He is missed.

Captain James D. Barton
US Navy (ret)

January 6, 2005

God bless you and your family over your tragic loss. You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

February 2, 2004

You're served well and will be missed by your family, friends and colleagues. The nation lost a great aviator/law enforcement officer. On behalf of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association I bid you a peaceful rest in the Pilot's Lounge of Heaven until the day you fly again.

Special Agent/Pilot Darin L. Paul
Federal Bureau of Investigation

I never knew or met Mr. Panchison. Nevertheless, I know that he was a righteous man who loved his family, country, and fellow law enforcement officers. Why else would he have chosen this profession? I also know that he is in heaven along with my son and all of the other law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty so that we could live in a crime free society. God bless you, Mr. Panchison... vaya con Dios.

A. Salinas
USAF, Retired

I had the honor of working with Scott Panchison from April 1992 to September of 1998.  Not only was Scott an excellent family man, Pilot, Border Patrol Agent and Firearms Instructor, he represented the Law Enforcement Profession with the highest grade of integrity that would make all law enforcement officers proud.



Scott was always willing to assist any law enforcement agency that requested aircraft assistance or advice in Firearms Training.  His enthusiasm, humor and "war stories" will truly be missed.



Vaya con dios

Special Agent Daniel Mehlhoff
US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

Scott taught me a lot about Border Patrollin' before he became a BP pilot. A big guy, I always felt comfortable working with him, knowing that we could handle any situation. If memory serves, he was also a former Marine. The last time I saw him, I was detailed to Supervisor's School and we were staying at the same hotel. I guess I would have cherished those few moments a lot more had I known what was coming. Que le vaya bien, Panch.

Ray Harris
US Border Patrol

I had the honor of working with Scott from 1996 to 1998. He was always ready with a good story and he made everybody feel they were an important part of the team. He loved his God, his family, and his work immensely. He blessed everybody he came into contact with and I will always remember him.
Thanks, Scott.

LECA Kevin Russell
US Border Patrol

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