Graduate Memorial Ceremony

Host
Paul E. Baker
Acting Director
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Master of Ceremonies
Ariana M. Roddini
Acting Deputy Director
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Post the Colors
Field Operations Academy Honor Guard
United States Customs and Border Protection

National Anthem
Stan Moran
Training Venue Program Manager
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Invocation
Latisha Y. Young
Chaplain
Field Operations Academy
United States Customs and Border Protection

Keynote Address
Paul E. Baker
Acting Director
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Reading of Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers’ Honor Roll

David Rosado 
Assistant Director
Training Management Operations
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Justin H. Campbell
Executive Director of Strategy
Internal Revenue Service
Criminal Investigation

Brent W. Nelson 
Director
Air and Marine Operations Academy
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Henry DeBlock
Executive Director
Field Operations Academy
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Jared C. Ashby
Chief Patrol Agent
U.S. Border Patrol Academy
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Samuel D. Petruno
Acting Unit Chief
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Mark P. Pittella
Acting Director
U.S. Marshals Service
U.S. Department of Justice

Retire the Colors
Field Operations Academy Honor Guard
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Bagpiper
Carlos M.  Ventura
CBP Officer
Field Operations Academy
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Wreath Laying
FLETC and Partner Organization Representatives

Benediction
Latisha Y. Young
Chaplain
Field Operations Academy
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Bryan K. Thiel - Internal Revenue Service

Bryan K. Thiel served as a Special Agent (SA) with IRS-Criminal Investigation from May 2001 until his passing in November 2018. Initially assigned to the New York Field Office from November 2001 to 2005, SA Thiel worked at the 290 Broadway Office in New York, NY. During this period, he was periodically tasked with duties at Fresh Kills Landfill and regularly worked in the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) Disaster Zone, approximately 470 hours of service during 2001 and 2002. In 2009, SA Thiel was diagnosed with melanoma, and he passed away on November 6, 2018. On September 11, 2023, the 9/11 VCF determined that Bryan Thiel met the eligibility criteria established in the statute and regulations of the VCF. Bryan moved to Colorado in 2005 and was assigned to the Denver Field Office until his death in 2018.
 

Kevin M. Grossheim - U.S. National Park Service

On October 6, 2024, Park Ranger Kevin M. Grossheim died while responding to a call for help from a distressed vessel carrying visitors. During transport, the Agency vessel took on water and capsized. Ranger Grossheim served for 31-years as a National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger. At the time of his death, he was a Ranger at Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota.
 

Jeffrey T. Kanas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations

On December 16, 2024, Air Interdiction Agent Jeffrey T. Kanas was on patrol in his A-Star helicopter, near San Diego, California, when he was involved in a helicopter crash. Agent Kanas sustained serious injuries. Emergency medical technicians attempted to resuscitate him but were unable and he succumbed to his injuries. Agent Kanas began his career with Air and Marine Operations on October 6, 2008, and was assigned to the Brown Field Air Unit, San Diego Air and Marine Branch, in San Diego, California. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy. Agent Kanas is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
 

John Dale Leatham – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations

On May 17, 2024, Customs and Border Protection Officer John Dale Leatham died from a heart attack, resulting from required training he performed on the previous day.

CBPO Leatham began his career in 1975 at the Casper-Natrona County International Airport, in Casper, Wyoming. Leatham was a thoughtful, kind, and selfless person who loved gardening and being with his family. He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and two sons.
 

Jesus Anaya – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol

Border Patrol Agent Jesus Anaya contracted COVID-19 in June of 2021, and never recovered from the virus. He fought the disease for almost three years as he was admitted to numerous hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. On May 23, 2024, he succumbed to his COVID-19 illness. Agent Anaya started his career with the U.S. Border Patrol on September 27, 2007, and was assigned to the Brownsville Station, in Rio Grande Valley Sector. The most important thing in the world to Jesus was his family. Agent Anaya was survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter.
 

Christopher Luna – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol

On March 8, 2024, Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna and three U.S. Army National Guard crew members were involved in a helicopter crash near La Grulla, Texas, while responding to a suspected illegal crossing. Agent Luna and two National Guard members tragically lost their lives. A second-generation Border Patrol agent, Agent Luna served with U.S. Customs and Border Protection since 2007 at the Rio Grande City Station, Rio Grande Valley Sector. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents, and brother.
 

Joseph Love - U.S. Homeland Security Investigations

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love died as the result of cancer that he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.
 

Ryan K. Marten - U.S. Marshals Service

Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Ryan K. Marten dedicated his life to protecting others, but the weight of his duties grew heavier each day. The hardest battles are the ones we fight alone, and for Ryan, the burden of stress and unspoken struggles became too much to bear. Despite his unwavering commitment to serve and protect, the silent wounds of his service took their toll. His sudden departure was due to stresses incurred while performing his duties, a tragic reminder that even the strongest among us need support. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his legacy serves as a call to care for those who protect us.
 

Thomas “Tommy” Michael Weeks, Jr. - U.S. Marshals Service

On April 29, 2024, Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas “Tommy” Michael Weeks, Jr. a dedicated 21-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service, was tragically shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant in East Charlotte, NC. At the time of his death, Deputy Weeks was assigned to the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. This incident resulted in the loss of three additional law enforcement officers’ lives, while five others sustained injuries. Deputy Weeks’ death was a devastating blow to the law enforcement community, underscoring the risks and sacrifices made by officers in the line of duty.

Host
Benjamine C. Huffman
Director
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Master of Ceremonies
Kai J. Munshi
Deputy Director
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Post the Colors
Field Operations Academy Honor Guard

Oscar R. Medina
Honor Guard Commander
United States Customs and Border Protection

Brad Kiszewski
Supervisory CBP Officer
United States Customs and Border Protection

Raquel L. Mercado
Supervisory CBP Officer
United States Customs and Border Protection

Natacha I.  Vazquez
Supervisory CBP Officer
United States Customs and Border Protection

National Anthem
Diamone N. Dunnam
Training Instructor
Transportation Security Administration Academy 
Transportation Security Administration

Invocation
Latisha Y. Young
Chaplain
Field Operations Academy
United States Customs and Border Protection

Welcome
Kai J. Munshi
Deputy Director
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Remarks
Benjamine C. Huffman
Director
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Keynote Address
Alejandro N. Mayorkas
Secretary 
Department of Homeland Security

Reading of Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers’ Honor Roll

Kelly D. Dixon
Acting Assistant Director
Training Management Operations
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers

Kelly A. Lewis
Director
Internal Revenue Service
Criminal Investigation

Gabriel C. Johnson
Recruit Officer
Unites States Capitol Police
Uniformed Police Training Program Class 2417B

Brent W. Nelson
Director 
Air and Marine Operations Academy
United States Customs and Border Protection  

Christopher R. Holtzer
Executive Director
Field Operations Academy
United States Customs and Border Protection

Michael A. Nigro
Assistant Chief Patrol Agent
United States Border Patrol
United States Customs and Border Protection

Angel L. Ortiz
Unit Chief
Homeland Security Investigations Academy

Retire the Colors
Field Operations Academy Honor Guard
United States Customs and Border Protection

Bagpiper
Carlos M.  Ventura
Supervisory CBP Officer
Field Operations Academy
United States Customs and Border Protection 

Wreath Laying
FLETC and Partner Organization Representatives

Benediction
Latisha Y. Young
Chaplain
Field Operations Academy
United States Customs and Border Protection

Patrick C. Bauer – Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation

On August 17, 2023, Special Agent Patrick C. Bauer was killed in the line of duty from a gunshot wound during a firearms training day in Phoenix, AZ. Special Agent Bauer served IRS: Criminal Investigation for 14 years. At the time of his death, Special Agent Bauer was the lead Use of Force Instructor for the Phoenix Field Office. He also served in the Arizona Air National Guard for 22 years.

Robert C. Castioni, Jr – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations

Special Agent Robert Castioni, Jr., came onboard as a United States Customs Inspector in April 1980 and became an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent/1811 in February 1984. Special Agent Robert Castioni, Jr. was assigned to ICE Homeland Security Investigations in New York on 9/11 during the collapses of the World Trade Center. Special Agent Robert Castioni, Jr. passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, due to 9/11 related illness.

Mario C. Di Chiara – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations

On April 28, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Mario C. Di Chiara, while on duty, suddenly became ill and was transported to the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, New York by, fellow officers. On this date, despite receiving medical attention, Officer Di Chiara passed away due to complications related to COVID-19. He served 25 years of dedicated service beginning with the U.S. Customs Service as an Import Specialist and Customs Inspector at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. At the time of his death, he was a Customs and Border Protection Officer assigned to the JFK Strategic Homeland Intelligence Enforcement Liaison Division.

Edgard Garcia - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations

On May 5, 2017, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Edgard Garcia died in a single vehicle accident after his vehicle left the roadway and collided into a tree on Interstate 19 near Rio Rico, Arizona. At the time of his death, he was driving back to the union office at the Port of Nogales after completing National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU) duties in Tucson, Arizona. Officer Garcia was a K-9 Enforcement Officer and Passenger Control Officer at the Nogales, Arizona, Port of Entry. He also served as the Vice President for the NTEU Chapter 116.

Jacqueline M. Montanaro - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations

On January 14, 2021, Supervisory Customs and Border Protection Officer (SCBPO) Jacqueline M. Montanaro died due to injuries sustained while attempting to rescue her youngest daughter, Madelyn, from a fire at her family home in Hazlet, New Jersey. SCBPO Montanaro, her husband and her oldest daughter had self-rescued when she realized Madelyn was still inside. Tragically, Madelyn also died, on this date, from her injuries. SCBPO Montanaro began her career in 2007 at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. In 2011, she transferred to the Newark Port of Entry in New Jersey and subsequently promoted to supervisor in 2021. At the time of her death, SCBPO Montanaro was assigned to the Training Branch at the Newark Port of Entry.

Freddy Ortiz - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol

On November 14, 2023, Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz died in a single ATV accident after he struck a light pole, near the Douglas, Arizona, Port of Entry. At the time of his death, he was responding to an illegal crossing observed by Douglas, Arizona, Border Patrol Station camera operators. Agent Ortiz was found unconscious and transported to the local area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. He began his career with the United States Border Patrol in 2010 and was assigned to Douglas, Arizona Border Patrol Station until the time of his death. Agent Ortiz was a distinguished 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he received many achievement awards, medals, and service ribbons.

Estaban G. Peña - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations

In early April 2023, Aviation Enforcement Agent Esteban G. Peña became ill and was admitted to the hospital after returning from a temporary duty assignment in Jacksonville, Florida. During his stay in the hospital, he suffered a seizure and was placed on life support. He never regained consciousness and passed away on April 15, 2023. Agent Peña was diagnosed with streptococcal meningitis, which medical personnel determined he contracted during his temporary duty assignment in Jacksonville. Agent Peña was last assigned to the National Air Security Operations Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served 20 years as a P-3 Flight Engineer.
 

Scott Densmore Ritchey - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations

October 9, 2021, Supervisory Air Interdiction Agent Scott Densmore Ritchey entered the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Playa Las Golondrinas in Isabela, Puerto Rico, to save his daughter from drowning. He was swept into a rip current and was eventually brought to shore. After resuscitation efforts, Agent Ritchey succumbed to his injuries. He had a distinguished, 30-year military career with the U.S. Army. At the time of his death, Agent Ritchey was the Supervisory Air Interdiction Agent overseeing Operations at the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch in Puerto Rico.

Lavelle Frazier Van Etten - U.S. Capital Police

Officer Lavelle Frazier Van Etten was on duty and assigned to the U.S. Capitol Power Plant when he suffered a heart attack and collapsed on November 10, 2001, at approximately 1611 hours. A fellow officer saw Officer Van Etten fall to the ground and reported the incident over the police radio. Officer Van Etten was immediately transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1710 hours. The Death Certificate indicated that the immediate cause of death was “Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy.” He was 52 years old and had served with the USCP for over 27 years.