Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Border Patrol Agent Eric N. Cabral

United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government

End of Watch Thursday, July 26, 2007

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Border Patrol Agent Eric N. Cabral

Rest in peace Border Patrol Agent Cabral.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 9, 2019

Eric, I had the opportunity to walk and stand by the site where you last lay on earth while proudly wearing your Border Patrol rough duty uniform. I was with your family the days after you passed into eternity, and saw the love that they each had for you. There was plenty of food and drinks and people coming and going that evening, they kept asking us if we needed or wanted anything. I think they wanted to imagine that you were outside wearing the uniform. It wasn't so that evening as we heard the airplanes making their landing approach to Lindbergh Field in San Diego over your parents house. God must have needed you more in heaven. God bless you and your family, I won't forget you.

Gabe Pacheco
USBP SDC/IMB

January 21, 2015

Hey Brother,
You are certainly not forgotten. As summer begins, you are constantly thought of and talked about. As much as it hurt to lose you, it ensured we will not lose another brother in the same manner. Agents have learned to terminate a track when things get too hot.

Later this month when we gather to celebrate you, there will be a card reserving a spot at the table and a drink poured for you.

Vaya con Dios hermano...HONOR FIRST

Border Patrol Agent Joshua Wilson
US Border Patrol

July 8, 2012

This is a reflection on all members of law enforcement regardless of what branch they belong to:

One only has to look out upon the sea of crime's unfortunate victims to know what it has cost--not only to the family and other loved ones but to all Americans.

Citizen
Citizen

October 21, 2011

Yes, We Will All Meet "The End"...9/30/ll

A beginning always has an end, don't ya know.
Iit comes with a little laughter and a few sighs in between.
But don't think now that you can avoid running into the End
No matter how hard you try to:

Walk to and fro,
Step side to side,
Walk or run down the path,
Or saunter and strut down the boulevard,
You'll never be able to avoid the End.

The End will always be there,
Waiting patiently, too, I might add.
The End will engage you "at the end" in conversation
About the blue sky and the clouds,

He'll converse with you with his hands behind his head,
About the seagulls and the ocean waves,
About why there is an end to begin with.
For this response from the End,
You must walk a little further into the unknown,
You must walk across the golden bridge and into a valley.
Be not afraid of the End
For this is really just the beginning.

C. Scola
Border Patrol Family

October 10, 2011

Eric:
Rest in Peace...you were a good friend and great colleague at Southwestern College. Thanks for being happiness to the Fitness Center on a regular basis. You made my bad days into positive ones and I thank you for this.
Andrew Shim

Andrew Shim, civilian
The University of South Dakota/former colleague and friend

September 24, 2011

Thinking of you and your loved ones on the annivesary of your departure. God bless your memory.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

July 26, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the third 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 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 solace for all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 26, 2010

it's been two years since you left us...still missing you everyday...i know you're doing fine up there and watching over us...RIP Agent O-143

CBPO #2346
CBP SYS POE

July 27, 2009

It will be 2 years tomorrow since Agent Cabral walked his last day. Your sacrifice in the line of duty is only one sacrifice out of many that you have made. Vaya Con Dios Agent Cabral.May you rest in Peace.

Lola
Mother of BPA Prock

July 25, 2009

Agent Cabral,

I was only in the academy several weeks when we received word of your passing. It hit me hard as it finally dawned on me just what I was getting my self into. I always knew that this career was a risk, but was actually something that is dangerous beyond measure. I, at that point, still didn't even realize what exactly I was going to be doing, the very thing you gave your life for. I was only in the field three weeks when someone actually tried to take my life for the simple fact that I was waring the green uniform that you put on every day also.

I have been in just over a year now and wouldn't dream of doing anything else, and I am sure that incidents such as that will not cease. For that reason I ask that you please watch over all of us down here on the line, we have the watch. Thank you for your sacrifice both in life, and in death. I pray for your family on this sad anniversary of your passing.

BPA
USBP, TCA/DGL

July 26, 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

My condolences goes out to the Cabral family in this difficult time. I lost my husband Jose Angel Nava when he was working his shift too. I know the sadness and how difficult it is to loose your love one. My prayers are with you and god bless you.

Rosy Nava

June 10, 2008

I will be riding with the Police Unity Tour from NJ to DC in your memory. Thank You for your service and I look forward to meeting your family and friends at the Candlelight Vigil.

Rest in Peace Brother.

Trooper D. Bogdan #5856
NJ State Police

May 8, 2008

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Agent Cabral. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Eric, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Eric's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Eric's life was about so much more than the way he died. Eric will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Agent Cabral, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

December 30, 2007

"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

November 12, 2007

Eric, in the short time I knew you you demonstrated the qualities of an excellent Border Patrol Agent. I am honored to have known you.

SBPA M. Myers
US Border Patrol

August 31, 2007

I have a tremendous respect for our U.S. Border Patrol agents. They have a much tougher and demanding job than many of us. The loss of Agent Cabral will always hurt the hearts of those who knew him. Thank you Agent Cabral. To the family....we all feel your pain & we are sorry for your loss.

Officer Ronny Burton
Plano P.D./Plano, Texas

August 27, 2007

hey kuya eric mann i miss you ....you were the best rolemodel and i always wanted to be just like you,maybe someday ill walk in your footsteps as a border patrol agent.hehe n since i am the last cabral of our generation to pass the name,ill promise that there would be plenty of them coming i love you

Mark Cabral

Mark Cabral
cousin

August 21, 2007

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cabral family. May God Bless you and comfort you all.

Rodriguez Family
CBP formerly of San Diego, now in D.C.

August 13, 2007

My heartfelt condolences go out to your family and friends. Thank you for serving our country with such great courage. Rest in peace.

PA Resident
Friend of Fallen BP Agent David Tourscher

August 12, 2007

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
that wasn't mine to keep
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
for the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
you’ve born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
you’ve done your time in hell"

Sgt. Justin K. Nevels
Clinton, LA PD

August 11, 2007

Rest in peace, brother. Your death won't be in vain. Those who take up the post after you will no doubt have you in their minds. Your passing will save lives.

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~ Joseph Campbell

Constable Amanda Pandolfi
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

August 11, 2007

The efforts of our border patrol and those of Agent Cabral can not be underscored enough. With so many people across the world looking to harm us, individuals like Eric help to make our country a safer place.

Thank you for your service and may you find the rest that you are deserved.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

August 8, 2007

To a great teacher and friend you we're the best! I truly appreciate your commitment to my grownth and potential as an athlete and as a person. I am deeply sadded and will never forget the "best trainer" I ever had. Eric,I will truly miss you. To the family I am so sorry for your loss, Eric was an incredible person who really enjoyed serving his country.

John A. Borja
former student and friend

August 8, 2007

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