United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Monday, February 19, 1990
Reflections for Inspector Timothy Cal McCaghren
Thank you God for his life.
Traveling with our Mom and Dad to Texas to visit Tim at his home base, we had the honor of meeting some of his compatriots beside whom he served proudly.
His loss was a loss for us all.
A true warrior for good. A life bursting with hope and love. He was an overcomer, a leader, a caring soul, a beloved son.
In 1990, my understanding is that custom agents in El Paso did not carry arms.
Tim’s ultimate sacrifice helped to create awareness for increased protection and security.
In 1996, the Timothy C. McCaghren Customs Administration Building at the Ysleta Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas, was named in his memory by an act of Congress and the signature of President Clinton.
Thessalonians 4:13-14
Deborah McCaghren Taber, MSN NP
Sister
December 11, 2022
Little brother, it’s been 31 years since you were so cruelly taken from us. I look at your smiling face every day and remember your big beautiful smile and your big heart! You are greatly missed, always loved and never forgotten! I know Mom and Dad are so happy to be reunited with you and I know you’re all taking care of our sweet little Brian. I remember, and I speak your name out loud today with so much love. ❤️
Molly Seward
Sister
February 22, 2021
Always loved and never forgotten! I miss you little brother. ❤️
Molly Seward
Sister
February 22, 2020
Rest In Peace on this the your 30 anniversary in heaven
Mark Mottola
February 19, 2020
Inspector McCaghren,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
February 19, 2020
I was on duty in El Paso when this incident occurred. I personally heard the "Officer Down!" radio call to SECTOR.
Tim was a good guy - hard-working and dedicated to his duties at the border. Only a couple years in and he was already good at identifying drug smugglers; he stopped his share of drug loads from reaching our streets for sure. I also remember he treated people with dignity and respect.
To the family: Tim's memory is alive and well, and steeped in respect in the community of guardians. We lost a good hand out in West Texas when Tim crossed over Jordan. May he rest in eternal peace in heaven.
Anonymous
Fellow Guardian
September 23, 2019
No one will be able to understand the depth of loss I have. Tim was my dad’s youngest brother. Tim was 6 years older than me, and we were brothers from the day I was born. I loved him and always tried to take good care of him, but failed. Tim was fearless and loved his Father God. He was selfless and fair to everyone. Even after all these years gone by since we lost Tim, I still miss him terribly and long for my beloved friend and brother. I wish for those days of playing guitar for him, going frog gigging late at night then going to church the next morning, having him appear at my house unannounced just to surprise me with the gift of his friendship, and so many more acts of genuine kindness and love. I know God called you home for His purposes, but I sure miss you buddy.
Mike McCaghren
Brother and Nephew
March 8, 2018
Many years ago (about 30) I was a little girl who lived down the way from Tim, Brandt, Deidre, and Chastity in an apartment complex in Georgia, where my dad, Thomas Harden, was also stationed. Tonight I'm watching home videos of Brandt, Chastity, and Deidre, and I just wanted to tell the three of you I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you are all well. This page is such an honor to your dad/husband.
With love,
Ashley Harden Hill
Ashley Harden Hill
friend
April 27, 2014
It seems like only yesterday that you were here. Some times I wonder if things would have turned out better if you hadn't been taken from me or if things would remain the same. I like to think that if you were never taken from us that things would be a lot different and I wouldn't have made some of the choices that have turned my life upside down. Now in your honor I'm trying to get things back on track hoping you would be proud of me no matter what. I will always remember the good times as well as the bad times, it takes both to make us who we are.
Love Always Your Son Brandt.
Brandt McCaghren
Son
April 13, 2011
To the family and loved ones of Inspector Timothy McCaghren
I wanted to honor and remember Tim today. Although I never had the privilege of meeting him, I feel as if I know him through the loving reflections left by friends. His valor and courage will never be forgotten.
I am so sorry that Tim was robbed of his life, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.
To his family, I am so sorry for your loss and know that your life was forever changed by the death of your beloved. I know that he is forever in your hearts. I wish for you that you are able to live the hopes and dreams he has for your life.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Tim gave to his community and the citizens of our country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 19, 1990.
Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
February 19, 2010
"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 31, 2008
Inspector McCaghren,
On today, the 18th anniversary of your murder, 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. I am a Border Patrol who have worked in the El Paso area for the last 12 years and I know how hard working and dedicated Customs Inspector(Now CBP officers) are. They do an outstanding job seizing huge amounts of narcotics and other contraband and wanted subjects at the POEs.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
February 19, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
February 11, 2008
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. REST IN PEACE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.
DAUGHTER OF AN OFFICER
February 19, 2007
Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.
Police Officer
May 18, 2006
Hi, I love you Dad, and I miss you very much! I think about you everyday and wish that you could be here with us. I love you...
Chastity
Chastity Mullin
N/A
October 8, 2005
Thank you for your service to our country.
CBP Officer
DHS
February 19, 2005
Tim, it has been many years since your death but your sacrifice has never once been forgotten. Fellow graduate of USCS 9PI-908, you put your life on the line and we honor your valor, courage, and strength in defending our nation. Thank you.
Michael Grace
FLETC
October 26, 2004
Tim, it has been many years since your death but your sacrifice has never once been forgotten. Fellow graduate of USCS 9PI-908, you put your life on the line and we honor your valor, courage, and strength in defending our nation. Thank you.
Michael Grace
FLETC
October 26, 2004
Inspector McCaghren,
No fallen hero should be without a reflection. I honor you, your name, your memory and for the ultimate sacrifice you made for your country. With utmost respect and brotherly love, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)
Jim Crotty, Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms
October 25, 2004
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