Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Alex,

I want you to know that not a day goes by that I don't think of you. Jeff and I have a picture of you up at work next to another buddy of mine (Tye Pratt). We honor you by sharing your story with every new agent and making sure that they know how 10-8 your were. We do this not only because of how much you meant to us but because we hope that some day your story might save one of their lives. Thank you for keeping watch over us from above, and remember we will meet again brother!

John Roseborough, SPA
US Border Patrol (and friend)

September 23, 2011

Sir, I am truly honored to be able to leave something in your memory today, to be able to reflect on your sacrifice. I know no other words to say, but 'thank you'. May you rest in peace.

Friend of USFS Off. Kris Fairbanks, RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

October 7, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 11th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to our country. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

June 4, 2010

Alex-

The bad guys are in jail. So, now I say my piece.
We did all we could in those hours and days after you gave your life, to protect America, in Potrero Canyon.
It was an honor to learn about you and to work beside your friends and colleagues. You, and they, have my deep respect.
God rest your soul.

SA Jim McCarty
FBI

May 19, 2010

Like you Alex, I am an adopted son of this great country of ours. You have provided me and others the inspiration to do this thankless and often dangerous job. We'll take it from here and God bless!

Former BPA current ICE SA

March 29, 2010

I Just came back from the academy and i was stationed at nogales station and the first thing that they show us is your memorial. I am a native from Nogales and i still remember that tragic day. please alex take care of your brothers in green from all the country.

BPA
Border Patrol Nogales Station

August 7, 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

I remember the day my father came home and told me, "One of my guys was murdered today." His eyes watered some and he hugged me probably thinking of the day I'd walk in an Agent's boots. Kirpnick, sir, you are a hero and a brother and you will NEVER be forgot. I've been to your memorial and said my prayers for your family. Be well in the afterlife, you're in a better place now.

SBPA Colburn
USBP - brother in green

June 3, 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

My family will always hold a special place in our hearts for Alex. He was an extra Special human being and will always be in our thoughts and prayers. My wife thanks you, my son Vito thanks you, and I thank you for being there. I have come to know the name Alex Kirpnick means honor, respect, and dignity.
You are greatly missed.

Mr. C

J.L. Crocitto, PAIC Intel
USBP, Retired

August 2, 2007

As you were just a couple BP classes away from me, we arrived to the Noge at pretty much the same time. I enjoyed being your friend and co-worker and I still reflect on that night as I was getting ready to leave the OS and how things unravelled from when we finally reached you, to getting the bad news from the ER doc.

I miss you old friend and I have always applied what I learned from you to my everyday life. I will always honor your sacrifice. God Bless.

Mike Neener - N378
Former Nogie BPA

July 11, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Agent Kirpnick on the anniversary of his passing. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

June 3, 2007

Thank you, Alex, for your sacrifice. In your short time in law enforcement, you kept our borders safer. God bless the family and friends who remain, and please pray for us all.

RIP

Nessa

April 8, 2007

Alex: I'm sorry I've waited so long to say something...there's no excuse. You were in Class 322 and I was in 326 at Charleston. I don't know if I've ever met a more humble, nice, educated person. Well, I went to DGL, you went to NGL and we never got to see each other again. You're in a better place, hopefully we can laugh together again someday. I do miss you Buddy...

BPA RL
US Border Patrol-DGL

February 20, 2007

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of Alex in some way. It is hard to believe that it has been so long ago since it happened. I, like the rest of our class were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to know someone like Alex. Alex was always in a good mood no matter what was happening, always willing to help anyone that needed it whether it was in spanish or on the obstacle course, always finding the good in everyone and I could go on and on. I, like other classmates have Alex's picture hanging in my house so as to honor a friend and hero who gave everything in order to protect our country.
Alex, I know you are up there watching over each and everyone of us and I thank you for that. Take care of yourself up there and we will meet again in the future.

John Roseborough, SPA
U.S. Border Patrol, Warroad, MN

December 21, 2006

I never had the priviledge of meeting Alex, I did however have the honor of meeting his mother, father, and sister when the Grand Forks Sector dedicated a new patrol boat in his memory in 1999. The event was well attended with representatives from all the local, state, and federal agencies and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Ontario Provincial Police. The original patrol boat has been replaced, but the name "Alexander Kirpnick" has been transferred to the new vessel where it patrols the waters of the northern border in the state of Minnesota. The men and women that perform their duties on this vessel are well aware of your sacrifice and will endeavor to live up to the example of your dedication to duty. Honor First.

Lonny P. Schweitzer
Assistant Chief Patrol
U.S. Border Patrol
Grand Forks Sector Headquarters

Assistant Chief Lonny Schweitzer
U.S. Border Patrol

November 1, 2006

Alex, though we have never met, I feel as if I know you. Last summer I married your younger sister, and she is an amazing person thanks to you. You served as a role model and guardian to her. She remembers you very fondly, and has never had a disparaging remark. I have gotten to know you from your parents and I am truely saddened by your loss. I wish you had survived, and I to could have had a brother my age. Alex, I hope that you are in a better place, and you are looking down on us and seeing all that you have done.

Fellow brethern of Alex, I am proud of the work you do, and your organization is keeping this country safe. Officers, please stay alert and stay safe. Thank you all for the work that you do.


Alex, we miss you.


Dr. Sobol.

Dr. Nathan Sobol
Brother-in-Law

September 19, 2006

You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. I salute you for your service in keeping us all safe. You will never be forgotten. Keep watch over those still out on patrol who are over worked and really short handed.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

September 16, 2006

Alex, I never had the honor of working with you but I have worked with many of your fellow Nogales brothers in green. They have spoke of nothing but your honor and commitment to the United States. I had the pleasure of meeting your sister at the annual memorial ceremony in 2006. I told her that even though I never met you that it has been an honor to wear the same badge that you so proudly wore throughout your watch. Alex, you are a true hero in my eyes and thank you for fighting the good fight.

God Bless and Rest in Peace

Brinkhoff, SPA
USBP Nogales

September 8, 2006

My class reported to Nogales when Alex's death was still fresh. When the memorial in the parking lot was dedicated, I saluted it everyday on my way out of muster as my own little tribute. Agents come and agents go, but Alex's name will live forever for all current and former Nogales Border Patrol Agents.

Former SPA
BP forever

April 23, 2006

Alex,
I was stationed in Sonoita when you were taken away, and I will never forget the impact that it had on us all. Now I am at Nogales, where, daily we are all reminded of your sacrifice and the calibre of person that you were. Your life made a difference, and it continues to make a difference. Your legacy lives. Thank you Sir.

John Fitzpatrick Border Patrol Agent
US Border Patrol

March 22, 2006

Agent Kirpnick,
As a fellow BPA, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice to our Country and to our Patrol. I work with one of your Academy classmates and he had nothing but good things to say about you.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

June 16, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

V-28
USBP

June 3, 2005

I have walked by Alex's memorial countless times and it always make me pause for a moment. I have caught groups of illegal aliens and heard of drug smugglers being stopped near the memorial, even now. His memorial is a constant reminder of how life can change in an instant. It is because of Alex that many people will never be complacent and even many more to make their top priority for their partner and themselves to go home at the end of shift. I never met Alex, but I guarantee becuase of him, I never think any day will be just another day. Thank you Alex, for showing the world that as in life, in death we still make a difference. With all my love and respect.

Border Patrol Agent- Nogales
USBP

June 1, 2005

I attended the United States Border Patrol academy on September 25, 1996. I was looking for something different, as were all of my other classmates. During the academy you tend to create certain bonds with people that will never break or alter no matter where you go or what you do in life. My class was split up among various Border Patrol Stations in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Myself along with five of my classmates were sent to Nogales, Arizona.

One of my classmates whom I became close friends with at the academy also came to Nogales. My friend’s name was Alex Kirpnick. Alex didn’t appear to be any different than the next guy, but if you sat down with him and talked, you would be surprised at the stories he had to tell.

Alex grew up in Russia and later immigrated to the Los Angeles area with his younger sister, mother and father. He had to learn the English language which was just another in addition to his native Russian and at least six others that he spoke with relative fluency. Alex made America his home and never complained about the cards that were dealt him. He always had a pleasant and positive attitude towards people and situations and I never heard him mention a bad word about anyone. I, on the other hand, had plenty of bad words to say especially as a trainee. No matter how bad we were treated or how hard we were judged, Alex would always say that people were inherently good, but along the way something changes them and if they could look back at themselves they wouldn’t like what they saw either. So he just let people be themselves and went on with his life with a smile on his face.

Alex helped me move twice, visited with my family, had dinner and watched movies at my home on several occasions. He befriended my wife, children, and me; his picture hangs in a place of prominence in my home.

On February 12, 1997 the world was in the palm of our hands our new careers were just beginning. On June 3, 1998 the world had stopped, and turned upside down in Nogales, Arizona. Everyone was permanently changed forever, but as Alex would say, “life goes on, and when the world gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

Every year when June 3rd rolls around my wife buys a small bouquet of flowers, I take them to work and place them at his memorial. It is the little things in life that matter and a show of appreciation and respect for a friend lost but still remembered is the least I can do.

Alex was one of those rare individuals that anyone would be proud to call friend.

SPA Jeff Abrams
USBP

December 17, 2004