United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government
End of Watch Sunday, December 19, 2004
Reflections for Senior Patrol Agent George Brian DeBates
Agent DeBates,
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
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
December 19, 2024
Rest in peace Senior Patrol Agent DeBates.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
May 26, 2020
I will forever miss you George. Even though I was just 4 when we went to that NASCAR race, I try to playback that day to the best of my abilities. I miss you an I will see you on the other side.
Firefighter M. Beafore
CPVFC
February 9, 2016
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
December 19, 2012
Agent Debates,
On today, the 8th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
December 19, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 7th 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 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 miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
December 19, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this forth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.
James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
December 19, 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 thoughts are with your loved ones on this anniversary of your EOW and the holiday season that is upon us. I know they all think of you every single day and will continue to do so as you are a true hero and heroes never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.
Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
December 19, 2007
You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service
Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
December 10, 2007
George,
It was sad beyond words to lose you so early and in so senseless a tragedy. I enjoyed working with you and your sense of humor made the long days well worth it. I will always remember you as one of the hardest working and most dedicated Agents I have had the pleasure of working with.
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent
US Border Patrol
October 31, 2007
My respects and prayers for the family of SPA DeBates.
Fred Stevens, USBP(Ret) PAIC CG 94-96
US Border Patrol (Retired)
March 5, 2007
Through all our differences, we're still brothers...I'll see you on the other side.
God Bless,
Your classmate, coworker and brother Agent.
Dennis
January 16, 2007
Thank you for your service. Time has not diminished
your sacrifice. My heart goes out to your Mom and all
who knew you.
The Absent One
As we gather at the table and watch each smiling face
The heart fills with emotion to see the vacant place.
We may strive to hide our longing in the midst of
Mirth and fun
But we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one.
When we gather 'round the fireside with merry
Laughter and jest
How we wish the absent dear one was here
With all the rest.
Still we join in all the frolic, but we wish the day was
Done
For we're thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one.
Yet when the day is over and they all have gone to rest
We feel the Heavenly Father does all things for the best.
So we cheer our drooping spirits with the rising of the
Sun
But we can't help thinking, thinking, thinking
Of the loved- the absent one.
author unknown
December 19, 2006
George, I had the great honor of working with you in Nogales. I knew you as a dedicated Agent who was always there to help when one of your fellow brothers in green needed it. Your sacrifice for the better cause of our country is what makes America what it is. You are a true hero in my eyes.
Thank you and rest in peace
Brinkhoff, SPA
USBP Nogales
September 8, 2006
Im so proud of your dedication to pro tecting our country on the front line. Im sorry you had to go before your time. Sincerly, Dee (LHC,AZ)
Dee
April 3, 2006
Thank you sir for protecting the great state of Arizona and our great nation. You are a true patriot and will never be forgotton.
ryan
Phoenix,AZ
January 9, 2006
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers on the first anniversary of your death.Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace, hero...
Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04
December 19, 2005
Agent DeBates..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers on your 1 yr. anniversary..please continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..you are gone..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!
girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi
December 19, 2005
To the mother of Agent DeBates:
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you honor your son on the anniversary of his death. May God give you strength and peace in the days and months ahead.
Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Special Agent Jay Balchunas,
EOW 11/5/04
December 16, 2005
George you have been strong in life and never gave up. I can not express the amount of sorrow that I have felt since learning of this tragic accident. I believe that you had a purpose to protect and serve others and that is exactly what you did. I will never forget the impact you had on me and my family. You always were quiet, but had a smile that would light up a room. God bless from the Shumaker family in Michigan. You’ll never be forgotten.
Bob "Shu" Shumaker
Coach/Friend
September 8, 2005
George (Jorge), I cannot tell you how much I valued your friendship. The world is a sadder place with your loss. I wish your mother all the strength of your friends and brothers to help her deal with your loss. You were an excellent friend and are missed every day.
Special Agent Bernardo Arellano
ATF
September 6, 2005
WE ALL MISS YOU . THE BOYS / BRIAN , SAM , HOUND DOG , BIG PERM , GOOSE .
BRIAN EVERIDGE
FLIGHT CLUB
July 13, 2005
R.I.P. Brother.
Special Agent - ICE
Former U.S.B.P. - Nogales
S/A
ICE
February 18, 2005
We are deeply saddened at George's loss.
--------------------------------------
We all recall you gave your best.
You did your job, now you can rest.
Your comrades now can cover your post
as you take your place with the Heavenly Host.
God Bless Our Fallen Brothers & Sisters.
---------------------------------------
Our prayers will be with you, your family, and co-workers!
Ptlm. P.K. Harding
Binghamton (NY) P.D.
January 17, 2005
Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:
- Quick access to your heroes
- Reflections published quicker
- Save a Reflection signature
- View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past