In Memory of Border Patrol Agent Salvador Martinez, Jr.
The US Department of Homeland Security recently announced that their agency had lost a border patrol agent to the deadly coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Border Patrol Agent Salvador Martinez, Jr., age 50, died due to complications of COVID19.
COVID19 has become the number one cause of line of duty deaths for law enforcement agencies across the US. This includes law enforcement agencies like Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and US Marshals. COVID19 has reached every corner of our lives. Occupations like law enforcement, first responders, EMTs, and medical workers have a significantly higher risk of contracting the virus.
Law and order and essential preservation of peace are necessities in tragic times such as a worldwide pandemic. As citizens were told to begin quarantine, many law enforcement families spoke up. It was necessary to keep officers on the job, but now they were risking their lives for an invisible threat. So federal legislation was passed to give these officers ‘line-of-duty’ death status full financial benefits to their families.
Border Patrol Agent Martinez had served with the US Department of Homeland Security and Border Protection for over 19 years. Martinez has been with DHS for as long as its existence. His most recent assignment was working out of the El Paso Sector Station. Martinez is the second border patrol agent in two days who passed away from the virus.
US Department of Homeland Security
The U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal cabinet-level agency responsible for the public and border security of the United States. The agency was formed in 2002 to respond to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The agency currently has nearly a quarter-million employees, with various departments, responsibilities, and duties stationed worldwide. Martinez worked for the US Department of Homeland Security. It is the leading agency that oversees departments like Customs and Border Protection.
Customs and Border Protection
Martinez was a member of Customs and Border Patrol, the largest law enforcement agency in the United States. The primary assignment of officers is to maintain the border. The department is also responsible for managing international trade and collecting import taxes. There are approximately 46,000 sworn federal agents and officers. Agents check immigration status, identify those crossing the border, inspect cargo, and help promote trade.
Remembrances
Border Patrol Agent Salvadore Martinez leaves behind his wife, daughter, father, and two siblings. The Martinez family will join hundreds of thousands of US families who have lost a loved one to the virus. In addition, area law enforcement, neighbors, friends, and extended family will join the Martinez family to mourn their loss.
Customs and Border Protection announced the loss in memoriam. “Border Patrol Agent Salvador Martinez Jr. passed away on November 30, 2021. Agent Martinez will be remembered for his diligent service to the nation and for his bravery in the face of danger. Agent Martinez entered on duty on June 24, 2002, as part of the 516th Session of the Border Patrol Academy. At the time of his passing, He was assigned to the El Paso, Texas Station in the El Paso Sector. Agent Martinez had previously served in the Alamogordo, New Mexico Station in the El Paso Sector.”
El Paso Sector Border Patrol Chief Gloria Chavez “The men and women of the #ElPaso Sector are saddened by the on-duty death of Border Patrol Agent Salvador Martinez. BPA Martinez was assigned to the #ElPaso Station. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family, his friends & colleagues.”
