Honor guard presents ceremonial funeral for fallen Border Patrol agent
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — Family, friends and coworkers gathered Thursday to pay their respects to Isaac Morales.
Morales, a border patrol agent, was off duty when he was stabbed May 20 outside a far east El Paso bar. He died a few days later.
Morales’ death was considered a line of duty death, meaning he received several honors and traditions while being transferred to his final resting spot.
A member of the Border Patrol Honor Guard told CBS4 that this type of funeral is considered the highest honor that any border patrol agent can receive when they die in the line of duty.
"The border patrol agent was honored with a three-rifle volley. This signifies service, honor and country,” said Luis Bustamante, a member of the Border Patrol Honor Guard. “Then, three shell casings are placed inside of an American flag, and the flag is presented to the family so we can honor the agent's family."
The traditions date back to old battle times.
"We've done this for many years to where we honor our agents. And we honor the families for that ultimate sacrifice they made,” Agent Bustamante said. "Whenever someone was in battle, they would shoot three rifle volleys to signify that we are going to take care of our wounded."
During the internment, Border Patrol had a rider-less horse with the boots facing backwards.
"We do have the flyover. We also have our pipes and drums," Agent Bustamante said.
Thursday’s funeral will honor the bravery and patriotism of Agent Isaac Morales.
"As Border Patrol agents, it's something that we've signed up for. This is something to where we want to protect our country. We want to protect our communities,” Agent Bustamante said.
Joining Morales’ family and fellow border patrol agents were members of the El Paso police and fire departments.
The Border Patrol will guard Agent Morales' body until burial is complete.
