Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

SPA Garza,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just a Border Patrol Agent but also when you served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 20, 2024

SPA Garza,
On today, the 20th 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
EPS

Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol

January 20, 2019

I remember hearing about Agent Garza when I was stationed in Lordsburg, New Mexico. I also remember the notoriety of Skeleton Canyon, this was a tough place to patrol, very much still the Wild Wild West. Rest In Peace P.A.
Honor First!

Joel A. Esparza
Customs and Border Protection

May 23, 2017

Just saw this and wanted to give my Respect to an amazing friend/family. I remember all the good times that I was included in your family adventures. Not a day goes by that I dont think of you and your family. They still have a big part of my heart. Even with the distance our bond stays strong and you will always be honored in my life. You gave the ultimate sacrifice and that is in my book "A Hero". Rest in peace Mr. Garza your memories will never be forgotten.

Tara Kress
Family/Friend

November 22, 2012

Well, I include you in my prayers almost everyday for the past week, now. I respect the uniform sir and as a fellow human being who suffered humanity along with the whole world. Dude, I'm sorry that you never got to say goodbye to your loved ones, but then I also know that you will never get old, feeble, sick, and suffer the memories of lost youth. Forgive and forget all who have wronged you, wherever you are. In that act, find peace in eternity. I commend your soul to God. Thank you for your service to all of us.

Rene Laperal
Oct.20,2012

No rank, Rene Laperal
No agency, no relationship

October 20, 2012

Dad, we went to a dedication for you today near skeleton canyon for an operation base. It is named Camp Garza. I think you would love it and the set up for the horses is very nice. I think about you every day and all the fun we had together. Things will never be the same but I hold our memories very close. We go to see Mom most every weekend and help her around the house and you are always in our thoughts with everything we do. I am always telling your granddaughters all about you. They got to meet Uncle Strawberry today for the first time and we also got to spend time with Tio Buddy, Tia Edna, and Tio Armando and his family. It was a sad but beautiful day. You will always be my hero Dad. I love you and I miss you Dad.
Love Always

Rebecca Garza-Sierra
Daughter
Morenci, AZ

October 4, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 13th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the 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 remember you. Cathy, thanks for sharing a daughter's devotion to her beloved dad with us and I holdyou in my heat's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 20, 2012

Dad, Today it been 11 years since you died. I spent sometime reflecting on our lives together. I remember always being with you when you were home. We would build pens for the pigs, or till the arena for the Gymkhana. You taught me how to ride horses and how to shine my boots. I remember picking out my first pair of spurs with you and doing leather work with you. Today I remember the wonderful times we had together. Thank you for everything that you taught me, and still continue to teach me about life's hard lessons. I love and miss you very much. You are always in my heart.

Cathy
Daughter

January 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day

Cathy Garza-Dominguez
Daughter

June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day Dad! I can't believe it has been 10 years since you have crossed over. I think of you daily, and miss you very much. You will be happy to know that I just completed my Masters Degree! You are my inspiration! I LOVE YOU! It has been nice to read the stories other people have left for you.

Cathy Garza-Dominguez
Daughter

June 21, 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 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 19, 2008

Rene, it has been nine years today, since you left the Lordsburg Station, and I still cannot say your name aloud without a tear coming to my eye. I miss your friendship, laughter and wisdom. As I said on the day we laid you to rest, Vaya Con Dios Mi Amigo.

John Hackworth, Border Patrol Agent
Friend

January 20, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER,, NH

January 12, 2008

It's been over 21 years since I checked into the Lordsburg Station and had the opportunity to work with you, Chris, Joel, Bill, Harold and Hector. You were a patience Journeyman who took the time to help me with my Spanish homework without laughing too bad at my Gringo accent.

I'm glad you got to live out your dream, most don't and regret it the rest of their lives. Lordsburg wasn't for everybody, but it was for you and you made the most of it. I appreciate the time we had together and I really appreciate the training you provided that assisted me in my career.

God bless!

Bob Jolicoeur
Field Office Director, DHS/ICE/DRO

October 23, 2007

We met the summer before our junior year in high school. I dont recall where but I think it was in your home town of Mercedes, Texas. I was from Weslaco just 5 miles down the road. We were 15/16.

I thought you were so smart because you could disconnect the mileage meter on my mom's car so my girlfriends and I could ride past the 25 miles I was allowed on a Sunday drive. And, you were always waiting at the designated spot to reconnect the meter so we could go home.

Our friendship grew and we became close, discovered a thing or two of the promises of young love. You wanted to be a cowboy and I had no clue. You wore boots, old faded jeans and faraway look in your eyes. Were you longing for a reality that only you could see and understand?

Time passed and so did we into different worlds. I am happy to read that you married and had such a loving family.

Now, that I read about you and I remember who you were in 1962, I think it fitting that God called you home while you were riding your horse in the outdoors you loved so much.

I am writing in this tribute to you because I want those that love you to know that you were special even as a tall, lanky young boy. And, that those who knew you then salute you today.

Purita Garcia, Weslaco
Reflections from 1962

Purita Garcia
High School Friend

April 23, 2007

Dad, I recently visited Washington D.C. It was amazing. I visited the National Fallen Officers Memorial. I found your name and left a New Mexico flag. I always wanted to visit Washington D.C., but thought you would be there with me, instead I was there to see your name on a wall. One of the quotes stood out to me, and reminded me so much of you. It was "It is not how these officers that died that made them heroes, it is how they lived". Although I did not realize it when you were with us, you are my hero. You worked hard and made sure we were taken care of. You put up with a lot, and I never heard you complain. I hope that when I leave this world, that I can leave as much of a legacy as you have. I love you, and miss you very much.

Cathy
daughter

July 22, 2006

Dad, you are my hero. I miss you very much. I think of you everyday, and often wonder "what would my dad think" before I do things. I love you! Happy Fathers Day! :-)

Cathy Garza
daughter

June 10, 2006

Rene, we met in 1982 when I was a newly assigned trainee to the Lordsburg Border Patrol station. I was completely out of my element and I remember you taking me under your wing making sure I stayed out of trouble. You and your family were very generous and kind. I still remember our first graveyard shift together and some of the expirences we had while working Hwy 180. Although its been 22 years since I left the Patrol, I think of you often.

Jesus Cesena, Sergeant
San Diego Police

February 5, 2006

Agent Garza was a man of genuine integrity and honor.Rene always said how it was and if you did not like his opinion - oh well.I worked with Rene in the Hidalgo County area in 1998-1999.He became a trusted advisor and friend.I miss the times we used to share talking about the legends that surrounded the Lordsburg area.Agent Garza will never be forgotten.May God bless him always.
Best Wishes, Former Deputy Sheriff
Kenny Crowe Hidalgo S.O.

Former Deputy Sheriff Kenny Crowe
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department

July 17, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, may God continue to grant you eternal peace, and bring comfort, love, and peace to your loved ones.

January 20, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

V-28
USBP

January 20, 2005

SPA Garza,
I met you briefly when I was detailed to your station in 1998. On this, the 6th anniversary of your death, I would like to say thank you for your dedicated service to our Country and to our Patrol.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

January 20, 2005

To my beloved husband Rene B. Garza. You will never be forgotten,you live on in my heart forever. Even though you are not here I know that you are forever apart of my life, as you are apart of our Childrens lives and our two very special granddaughters Katelyn Ann and Cassidy Rene who was named after you. We miss you and love you so very much.

Connie Garza
Wife

September 13, 2004

RENE WAS MY RELATIVE BY MARRIAGE. HE HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN, OR REPLACED, HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. HE WOULD BE PROUD OF HOW HIS CHILDREN HAVE GROWN, AND ALL THE THINGS THEY HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. I KNOW FROM HEAVEN HE HAS SEEN HIS GRANDCHILDREN, AND WILL WATCH THEM GROW. RENE, I WILL REMEBER YOU AS MY BROTHER-IN-LAW, MY FRIEND, AND FELLOW BOOK READER. P.S. I FINISHED OUR SCI-FI SERIES, AND IT ENDED VERY WELL FOR OUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS. MISS YOU JSL

INSPECTOR
NM MTD

September 11, 2004