Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Dixon,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country and to the Service. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 24, 2024

My step father Delbert Houston Allman worked with Bud Dixon in U.S. Customs, and as a youngster being 11 to about 13 at this period in time I have fond memories of Bud. He was always happy, smiling, and joking around. He was just plain fun, and full of life. When I heard of his passing, it was a shock that angered me, and broke my heart at the same time. He died way too soon, and I have never been able to understand how someone would rather kill two people, than just face the punishment of being caught, and serve their time. My only consolation is that the guy didn't get away, and was actually run over by his own truck, or so I heard.

Civilian US Customs family member
US Customs

January 30, 2024

The other day, Easter weekend,I drove by the site where the plaque was placed to honor the 2 fallen officers. I dod not know a plaque commemorating them had been there for a short while now.
I grew up at the Sunnyside Ranch less than a mile from the plaque site at a CBP tower antenna.
I was born in Sierra Vista a few months after these men had been gunned down in 1974. We moved to the Sunnyside Ranch in1977.
By the time I was in elementary school, I had heard on a few occasions, from my mom & dad, the stories about these agents who had become victims of a gun fight.
My mom could point to the exact area where this had happened when we drove through here. She had heard most of these stories, most likely from Alex Gonzales of West Gate, Az who had been a Forest Service Ranger out of Canelo, Az.
From what I understand, Sunnyside Ranch was owned by a Mr. George Searle & family at the time of the gun battle. A daughter of the Searle's was driving to high school in Patagonia one morning when she came across the scene.
From what I have heard, it was one of the elder Searle's daughter that reported what she had seen and I imagine she had one or more siblings in the vehicle with her.
My father, Leo Gonzalez & a few uncles, had worked for Mr. Searle several years prior at Sunnyside.
I believe Mr. Searle sold the ranch not too long after this gun fight to a Rose family. The Rose family later sold it and Sunnyside Ranch became an extension of the Lone Mountain Ranch & we moved in then. We left the ranch in '92 and to me this area will always be home.
In the past I have tried to look up this gun battle but never had any luck.
I, today, find that there is more than just a passed down story. Although the stories today label it as Campini Mesa, the actual location of the gun fight and the nearby plaque is on the Sunnyside Mesa and not the Campini Mesa, which lies to the east and southeast of the Sunnyside Mesa, extending into Mexico.
I now know there are friends, family, fellow agents that exist today & I send my sincerest condolences to you all.
I never had names or faces of the 2 agents killed, that is until now. Bud Dixon and Bo Bokinskie may you rest in peace.

Freddy Gonzalez

April 24, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always and may God Bless your family and loved ones always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 24, 2021

Rest in peace Patrol Officer Dixon.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 24, 2020

A video I made of the memorial dedication on Dec 3, 2019

https://youtu.be/zRzqwNbiqTU

Nigel Brooks
US Customs Svc

December 5, 2019

When I moved from Tucson ASB in AZ in 1978 to Miami I wanted to go to the San Rafael Valley to the location of the murder of Bud and Bo and wish them a final farewell. I didn't get the chance. I attended Buds' funeral services in Wilmington, NC in 1974 and went with him to the mountains where he was interred in Clyde, NC. I moved to Murphy,NC in 2010 and didn't realize that I was only 85 miles from Clyde, NC where Bud was laid to rest. I'll be traveling to Clyde on the 23rd of April to put flowers on his grave, pay my respects and bid him a final farewell. Still miss him.

Special Agent (retired)
U.S. Customs

April 20, 2016

I was working the midnight shift in the adjoining sector in Douglas, AZ on the night that Bud and Bo were killed. I will never forget that night. God Bless Them.

Fred Heaton, Retired Special Agent
Former Customs Patrol Officer

March 22, 2016

I think so often of Bo and Bud. I was working the mid shift that night on hwy 82. I didn't hear any radio traffic until sector comm advised if officers down on campini mesa in early morning hours. I was the first vehicle on the scene. Mike Crew and Bob Dagialo landed in a se aircraft just prior to my arriving. I had lost many fellow marines in vietnam a few years prior but this struck me harder. We were very competatve then. Always trying to get the next load. Mike Crew and I camped out with Bo and Bud the week prior at Papago Farms. All four of us were planning a deer hunt in Utah that fall with Bo's parents. I miss them very much and think often of them, their families and the lives that they missed.

Aviation Group Supervisor Dave Holman
U.S. Customs Service

June 28, 2015

I read this story, and it was very bittersweet to learn of my relative, Charles J Bokinskie, and the events that unfolded. I am proud to learn that Charles protected our border and country and paid the price for his work--no one should have to die at their job--yet, they take the risk, anyway. I am saddened to know his family had to endure years of an emptiness without having husband, father, and hero, not there. May you all embrace his memory with anticipation that you will be reunited again.

Dan Bokinskie
Cousin

April 30, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 24, 2013

I am a former Customs Patrol Officer ..worked the Mexican Border 1975-1979..Yuma Sector San Luis Arizona then LAX and Regional Intel Officer...I remember the story well..we had a few firefights on the Mexican border during this period... was a hot bed of violence way back when ...continuing thru today!

Walt Harsch Frm CPO GS1884-11
Dept of Treasury USCS

October 2, 2012

I was 17 and living next door to Bud and Celeste and Jerry, taking care of my grandmother. We all became great friends. I remember several get-togethers in Bud's back yard, mesquite grilled steaks and a sneaky little punch called PJ. Bo was there often as well. I also remember a few trips across the border for a nice dinner and little tequila and back to the US side in Nogales for entertainment at hotel lounge. I left Patagonia a relatively short time before Bud and Bo were downed. I was bak in Maryland and in the middle of the night awoke from a nightmare and instantly knew something was very wrong. I found out later that this was the very day of the tragedy that took their lives. Later, I dropped out of college and joined Celeste in South Beach, living a trailer. I have lost touch after all these years, but if anyone can put me in touch with Celeste, I can be reached at [email protected]. I am now living in Whetstone, AZ, Cochise County and not very far from the border where Bud and Bo died. This past sunday, my husband and I were taking a walk on our block and were introduced to a Border Patrol Officer who knew the entire story and we were shocked after all these years to hear the real story of what happened that day. Wayne was part of the investigations crew. So, to Bud - you were a complete joy to know. So full of love and laughter and always with a twinkle in you eye! I will never forget you. To the family - i am so very sorry for your loss. I am also very interested in pursuing the possibility of erecting a memorial down on the border so if anyone else is interested, please let me know and I will contact the forest service.

Kathleen Crockett
Neighbor and friend.

September 11, 2012

I never met my grandfather but I wish I had. I hope one day I will. I do know that my father talks about him all the time and still looma up to him to this day. R.I.P. papaw Louis

SrA Michael Dixon
Grandson

April 24, 2012

Dad, today is the 38 anniversary of your leaving us. I don't know how to express to you how badly I miss you. I love you Dad. I hope to see you in Heaven some day.

Mike Dixon
Son

April 24, 2012

I have added the last photo I have of my Dad before he was killed. I'd still like to talk to some of you guys that knew him, I have lots of questions. Please feel free to email me, and I will send you my number. [email protected] is my email address. I look forward to hearing from any of you.

Mike Dixon
Son

February 16, 2012

Officers Dixon and Bokinskie had dinner at my house shortly before they were killed. Agent Bokinskie had announced his engagement and Dad had them over for dinner. My dad was a Customs Agent in Nogales at the time, Dave Woods. I have thought of their death often through the years and it was one of the reasons that made me want to become a law enforcement officer. I remember Bernie Gutierrez and others that were in Nogales at that time and their interactions with the tall skinny kid had a lasting impact.

Agents Dixon and Bokinskie you are not forgotten.

Michael Woods
Tavares Police Department (FL)

January 1, 2012

Customs Patrol Officer (CPO) Charles J. Bokinskie (Bo) was my roommate and CPO Lewis D. Dixon (Bud) was a good friend.

I first met Chuck in San Francisco in 1971. We were both Sky Marshals and shared common interests. Both of us were from Utah; he from Ogden and me from Syracuse. In March 1972, we became roommates and rented an apartment in Foster City, CA.

Bo was a terrific person! He was fun loving, good looking, and unpretentious. He was the first real chick magnet I ever met. I don't know what it was about him, but they sure gravitated towards him. One of those girls was a Pan Am stewardess (they weren't called flight attendants back then), name Linda Galko. They fell in love and were engaged to get married before Chuck was killed.

Chuck thought the world of his Dad, Mom, and brothers. He was an avid outdoors man who loved to hunt and fish. he lived for the times he and his Dad would go on their annual hunts. Chuck had a goal to become a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent, but never got the chance to apply for the job.

Chuck inspired me to use my GI Bill get back into college. We both attended San Mateo Community College.

In Dec 1973, we were offered and accepted positions in Nogales, AZ. It was there we we met Louis "Bud" Dixon and his family. Bud had been a North Carolina State Trooper before going to work for U.S. Customs and was a veteran law enforcement officer with a lot of field experience. Bud and Bo hit it off right away and chose to become partners. They were very good at what they did and lead the office in seizures.

Bud was a man of character, one who loved and cared for his family. Bud and Bo left for their last shift directly from the house Bo and I were renting. Bud and his family, CPO Bernie Gutierrez and his wife, Chuck and his fiancee Linda,and I had a late afternoon BBQ before the two of them headed off to the San Rafael Valley never to return.

And for those you are wondering, Yes, because of Celeste's insistence, Bud was buired with his boots on!

I think of Bud and Bo a lot. They were both men of the highest caliber and integrity. Men to be emulated.

I have several newspaper articles regarding the shooting. One of them has pictures of both Bud and Bo that can be added to their memorial pages. I just need to know how I can email them to you as attachments.

Senior Special Agent Joe Willey
U.S. Customs Service (Retired)

January 28, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today as we approach the 35th 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, 31 years after you were killed.

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

To his son and grandson: Reading your reflections made me weep for your loss. My grandson Cody was born 2 1/2 months after my son was killed, thus will only know his father through pictures and stories. I could feel the pain of that eleven year old boy who lost his Dad, and I can see you passed down the love and admiration for your father to your own son who continues the legacy of protecting and serving. You are in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 12, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Dixon.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 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 31, 2008

Over the years I have really missed my father. I am 44 years old now. I wish I had the luxury to be able to pick up the phone and call Dad. I am so honored to be Bud Dixons' son. I remember as a kid, walking with him on the beach, or riding around in his old 57 Chevy with the floors rusted out, I wanted everyone to know that he was my Dad. He was and still is my "super hero". No Batman or Superman for me.
I remember the day he was killed like it was yesterday. That was the hardest thing you can imagine for an 11 year old boy to go through. Dad was invincible I thought. I believe he secretly thought he was too. I remember my little brother telling him before he got transferred from Wilmington to Nogales, that he was afraid he would get shot. Dad with his Bud Dixon confidence,said to us "nothing will happen to me". We believed him. He really loved his job. Sometimes I think more that he loved us.
I always wanted to be like him. I wanted to be a hero too. I want my kids to love me as much as I love him. I hope I grew up to meet his expectations.
Dad I really miss you. You will always be my super hero.
I would like to add: I would really like to talk to some of my Dads' friends. If anyone that knew him reads this, please email me or feel free to call. I am in the book in Decatur, Tn. Feel free to call, please.

Michael Dixon
Son

December 19, 2007

Even though I have never met my my grandfater I know he died doing what he thought was right. I am in the USAF as a police officer and I hope and pray that he is looking over me and helping me do the right thing. I hope that one day I will be able to meet him and share my story with him. I have joined the Air Force hoping to get more insight on what he did in the US Customs. I know that I wonder why I have joined the military to fight for this country when it is so messed up at times. I have recently visited the Law Enforcentment Officers Memorial in Washington DC and I am so happy that this country is doing something to remember its fallen law enforcement heros, and I am glad to find out that there is a candel light vigil every year on May 13th. I plan on going to it in 2008 and I hope that everyone that reads this will also.

A1C Michael D Dixon Jr
Grandfather

December 18, 2007

I knew David when he was a trooper in Haywood County NC, and worked with my Dad as a trooper. Growing up and knowing David and seeing him listed on this Memorial Site brought back good memories of David and what he stood for.
Thanks for what you did and what you gave both for North Carolina and for this great nation

Larry R. Wooten Family friend

May 2, 2007

I was a Deputy Sheriff with the Cochise County Sheriff's Office when this happened and was at the scene. These officers must be remembered for their heroic actions and for their sacrifice in what they believed.

Luther Parker, Enforcement Agent
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

Luther Parker, Enforcement Agent
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

December 9, 2006