Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Agent Torres,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Patrol. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 30, 2024

Rest in peace Patrol Agent Torres.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 3, 2020

I’ll be thinking of Agent Torres as Chapter VIII of the Police Unity Tour rides out of Portsmouth, VA to Washington DC. Agent Torres was my silent partner at the academy and I still carry my card as I approach my 10 year anniversary this summer! I hope to do his memory proud on this week. Honor First!

Border Patrol Agent Thomas England
US Border Patrol-Nogales, AZ

May 9, 2019

I would like to thank all of you that have posted on my father's behave. It is always nice to hear a kind word or two about him. My time with him only lasted three years, but in those years between I have grown to love him even more through all the wonderful memories that have been shared. Thank you so much for never forgetting him.

Judith Torres ( Daughter)
El Paso Police Department

June 3, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 37th 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.

I pray for solace on this day for all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

November 30, 2011

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the month & year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Agent Torres.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 2008

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 21, 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 18, 2008

Rest in peace hero

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 30, 2007

Oscar was working with a member of my class on that night. That agent and I were still on training status at the time.

I was with another senior agent a few miles downriver. It was already the middle of night when Oscar's partner distressed voice came on the radio stating that Oscar had fallen from the Puente Negro (Black Bridge) while opening the gate for a train to come across.

My partner and I rushed back to the area, as did the entire cadre of agents on duty that night. There was nothing any of us could do for him. The injury was extensive.

Oscar was about the most gentlemanly man I ever met. He was just a really genuinely nice guy.

Gary Moore Retired DOJ OIG
Was working the same shift with Oscar the night he died

March 8, 2007

Oscar,

I just became aware of the ODMP website and was browsing through and saw your name. It’s a shame that the site did not exist at the time of your passing, because I’m sure there would have been many touching remembrances left in your honor. You were that kind of person. I want you and your family to know one story of how you touched someone’s life. In 1973, I was a 22 year old in El Paso, trying to make a living selling real estate in the footsteps of my father. Times were rough and sales were few when you and your wife met me to look at some houses. You wound up finding the house you wanted and helped me with a sale I needed very badly but that is not what I remembered most. I remembered what a nice couple you and your wife were. I remember how sad I was when I heard of your death in the local news reports a short time later.

Later, your influence and that of other Border Patrol Agents I knew, led me to investigate being an agent myself and I joined the patrol in 1978. I started out in El Paso and got to work with a lot of agents that knew you well in a way that only other agents can know someone. Through them I got to know you better. Your loss was still painful to them and even though they might tell a funny “war story” about you, you could still see it.

Today, I’m an FOS in Naco and months away from my own retirement. I want you to know that some 32 years after you left us, I still remember. Every time we lose another agent, and we have lost way too many, while remembering and honoring them, I think of you. God bless you and your family for your sacrifice, and all those who wear the green.

Van Larson
USBP (Naco, AZ)

April 13, 2006

Agent Torres,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Patrol.

A fellow EPS agent

November 30, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

V-28
USBP

November 30, 2004