Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I attended the United States Border Patrol academy on September 25, 1996. I was looking for something different, as were all of my other classmates. During the academy you tend to create certain bonds with people that will never break or alter no matter where you go or what you do in life. My class was split up among various Border Patrol Stations in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Myself along with five of my classmates were sent to Nogales, Arizona.

One of my classmates whom I became close friends with at the academy also came to Nogales. My friend’s name was Alex Kirpnick. Alex didn’t appear to be any different than the next guy, but if you sat down with him and talked, you would be surprised at the stories he had to tell.

Alex grew up in Russia and later immigrated to the Los Angeles area with his younger sister, mother and father. He had to learn the English language which was just another in addition to his native Russian and at least six others that he spoke with relative fluency. Alex made America his home and never complained about the cards that were dealt him. He always had a pleasant and positive attitude towards people and situations and I never heard him mention a bad word about anyone. I, on the other hand, had plenty of bad words to say especially as a trainee. No matter how bad we were treated or how hard we were judged, Alex would always say that people were inherently good, but along the way something changes them and if they could look back at themselves they wouldn’t like what they saw either. So he just let people be themselves and went on with his life with a smile on his face.

Alex helped me move twice, visited with my family, had dinner and watched movies at my home on several occasions. He befriended my wife, children, and me; his picture hangs in a place of prominence in my home.

On February 12, 1997 the world was in the palm of our hands our new careers were just beginning. On June 3, 1998 the world had stopped, and turned upside down in Nogales, Arizona. Everyone was permanently changed forever, but as Alex would say, “life goes on, and when the world gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

Every year when June 3rd rolls around my wife buys a small bouquet of flowers, I take them to work and place them at his memorial. It is the little things in life that matter and a show of appreciation and respect for a friend lost but still remembered is the least I can do.

Alex was one of those rare individuals that anyone would be proud to call friend.

SPA Jeff Abrams
USBP

December 17, 2004

It'll be a night I will never forget. I remember our LORIS Unit calling out the traffic and Alex and his partner responding to intercept the traffic. Though I was calling out traffic coming off Proto Ridge when Alex jumped the group, it seemed like all time stood still when the first call came over the radio of shots fired agent down. The memory still brings a tear to my eye and reminds me of just how important our job is and how mortal we all really are. Though some may feel Alex died in vain, I believe he is a hero just as every other soldier who laid down his life to protect this great country.

Froggie
USBP

December 15, 2004

Your passing was a wake up call for many of us. When complacency tries to creep in, I am reminded of that dreadful night and just how truly dangerous our jobs can be. I will not forget your sacrifice, Alex. Seeing your permanent memorial standing where you fell, we remain humbled and vow to continue the duty.

L. Bailey (then N-413)
USBP

December 15, 2004

You died just as I graduated from the academy. We would have worked next door to each other. We entered on duty to our stations in the immediate aftermath. Needless to say, we vividly remembered the atmosphere when it happened. I can say that your incident permanently put me in a far more proper state of mind, as was the case for many others. I appreciate your service. We worked region that people from other parts of the country simply cannot understand. You and I never met, but we will always be brothers.

J. Lorek (former S203
Former U.S. Border Patrol

July 14, 2004

May God bless you. You gave all. I and the people of this find country of ours will not forget you.

Former Border Patrol

June 3, 2004

I remember it like it happened yesterday. He was shot at 0100 hrs and I arrived at work at 0700 hrs. A real wake up call for me. I wish it never happened but rest assured he taught us all a lesson and we have learned. Thanks, Alex, your death did not go in vane. You continue to save lives. You are a true hero. - Bob

Former Border Patrol - Old N339
U.S. Customs-Former Border Patrol

alex never took for granted the freedoms he had as an american but cherished them as privleges and not just rights.alex was a physical person and looked forward to the challenges his job had to offer alex also loved the outdoors and chose the border patrol partly for that reason. i worked side by side with alex in california for six years and was close both inside and outside of work.i myself am involved with law enforcement partly due to his influence i will miss him dearly.

grant g legg
volunteer rialto p.d

A US citizen by choice, not by luck of birth! You came to our country and embraced it as your own. You gave so much of yourself to include the ultimate sacrifice. Our country will never forget you or your dedication to honor and duty. Agent Kirpnick you are a true American hero and an angel in Heaven!

A. Salinas
USAF Retired