Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 14, 2025

It’s been 28 yrs since your journey ended. You have had a lasting impact on so many peoples life in your brief time. I met so many of your compadres during my time in the patrol and never once did I ever hear anything but the highest praise. A sign of a true fine person. You are missed daily by those that knew and loved you. Never forgotten senor.

Senior Patrol Agent Damon Jordan
US Border Patrol (Retired)

June 6, 2025

Continue to rest in peace Stephen.

Nick Mancha
Texas Tech/USBP (CHU V-485)/NCIS

May 15, 2025

I haven’t ever left a message here, but for those of you who have, I want you to know that your memories of my brother are appreciated by his family. Those of you who knew him personally remember that Stephen love deeply and cared about his brothers and sisters in the border patrol, as well as those individuals who were illegally attempting to come into our country. Stephen never lost sight of upholding the laws that protect the United States, but had great empathy for those who were only trying to make a better life for themselves. Those with ill intent to take advantage of others, or to bring illegal substances across the border were far easier to bring his full force against.

I continue to have significant peace about Stephen’s‘s place with his Savior, Jesus Christ in eternity. I look forward to seeing him again. As many of you know, he spent time in God‘s word the morning of his passing as he did every day.

Retired Border Patrol agent, Aric Curtis has been a great solace to us as well. He was with Stephen that day and continues to uphold his memory with the Border Patrol exceptionally well.

Peace and protection to all of you working to keep our country safe.

Sincerely, David Starch.

David Starch
Stephen’s brother

July 21, 2023

Agent Starch,
On today, the 25th 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.

A fellow BPA

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 14, 2022

A part of me never left that mountain. Rest In Peace Stephen.

Ronald Hunter, Section Chief
Former ECJ BPA. Current ICE Officer

June 14, 2021

Rest in peace Border Patrol Agent Starch.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 14, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 17, 2020

I miss you Brother!

L Keith Weeks BPA(Ret)
USBP

June 14, 2020

Gone but never forgotten.

R. Hunter
Former Echo Agent

June 14, 2020

Today I was so fortunate to take part in your memorial hike with your friends and family. Seeing so many gathering to honor your sacrifice reassured me that your memory will be never be forgotten. ✝️

R. Hunter
Former Echo Agent

June 14, 2017

Time may pass but never your memory. Continue to watch over those in green. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

R. Hunter
Former Echo Agent

June 14, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

Gone but never forgotten.

Hunter
Former Echo Agent

June 15, 2015

Stephen, recently I was sharing with fellow agents that did not know you, my memories about you and about how moved I was when so many hiked up the mountain in the heat to the location of your accident in order to pay their respects and put up the Cross. I have often reflected over the course of my career about how you helped to shape me as a trainee to be as hard working as you were. You were a positive influence on my agents and you will not be forgotten!

SBPA Derek Schoenlein
USBP

July 2, 2013

Today, in the company of fellow Law Enforcement Officers, we raise our glasses to all who we have lost while carrying a shield on their chest. And to the forever young and virtuous BPA Starch who left us way to early.

Gone but never forgotten.

Former Echo Agent / R. Hunter
Former USBP ECJ / current ICE

June 14, 2013

Steve, it has been a long time buddy. I often think of you, in your life and in your passing. I recall one day on our way to chow at the Academy, you grew tired of my constant pokes and you swooped my up and tossed me into a dumpster! I remember your lousy Spanish and your struggle to overcome it, but your perseverence paid off. I remember standing under the hot sun, three months after I was married and received news that I was having a baby, attired in my dress greens, saluting, when the honorary shots were fired at your wake. It was then that I learned you too were expecting with your beautiful new bride. Derek and I always spoke highly of you and we shed some tears over you. But I know, nearly 16 years later, you are still watching over your old Class 295 buddies. Still missing you dearly my friend.

Andres Gonzalez
Former BPA, Former DEA Agent, Friend for Life

April 3, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 15th 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. Rest In Pe

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

November 20, 2012

Gone but NEVER forgotten. Your family and friends are still in my prayers.

Deportation Officer Ron Hunter
ICE / Former Echo Agent

June 14, 2012

Stephen,

Fourteen years now and I remember your departure like it was yesterday. Your memory continues to live strong in everyone lucky enough to have known you. Rest easy and continue to keep that watchful eye on those in green.

Rest easy.

Deportation Officer Ron Hunter
ICE / Former Echo Agent

June 22, 2011

I'll always remember that time you took to help me out while I was a trainee and learning to run the scope. I realized then that you were a good person. Your work ethic and passion for the job was contagious to all of us young boots at ECJ.

SBPA James Quinlan
USBP

February 21, 2010

It is hard to believe that it has been over 11 years since you died Stephen. I only knew you in life for six months and yet you are one of the people I remember best from El Cajon Station. It was in part because of you that I attended seminary and still seek to become a chaplain. You were and are a bright light amongst the Agents I have known these twenty years. I was blessed to have known you and I think of you often. May God bless and keep your family and friends until they see again.

SPA Benjamin Wetherill
Border Patrol

January 6, 2009

Thought of you today...Miss you greatly.

Keith

SBPA L. Keith Weeks
USBP

November 25, 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

The 11th anniversary of you passing has just come and gone and I am reminded of working with you briefly those many years ago. As a young trainee I remember vividly working with you as you helped to guide us to be better Agents. Your work ethic has inspired many of us in our careers. The year the Cross went up at the location of your accident I remember being so moved by the number of fellow Agents that made the hike up that mountain to pay their respects. You are a loved and respected member of this family. I know that you are watching over the many Agents in green.

SBPA Derek Schoenlein
USBP

June 22, 2008