3/4/11: Federal officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty were honored Wednesday night at a candlelight vigil held by NTEU, which represents 26,000 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees. Joining NTEU National President Colleen Kelley and hundreds of union members at the annual Vigil of Lights was Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin, along with CBP assistant commissioners. The vigil was at the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

“This year the names of two CBP Officers have been added to the honor roll of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives serving our country,” President Kelley told attendees.

CBP Officer Charles Floyd Collins II died on July 11, 2010, in a car accident while traveling alone from a temporary duty station at the Port of Eagle, Alaska. CBP Officer John Richard Zykas, who worked at the Port of San Diego, died on Sept. 8, 2010, after suffering a heart attack during a training exercise.

President Kelley also recognized Border Patrol Agents Michael V. Gallagher and Brian A. Terry who died in the line of duty in 2010 along with Immigration and Customs enforcement Agency Jaime Zapata who was shot to death in Mexico.

 “We pray that gathering here will bring peace to those who have fallen and strength to those who live on,” President Kelley said.

This is a hallowed memorial, Secretary Napolitano said, and this vigil honors the sacrifices made by these federal officers and pays tribute to their everlasting memory. “They gave their lives for a higher calling and purpose,” she said.

Her comments were echoed by Commissioner Bersin who said it is imperative that we pause and honor these fallen heroes. “We bid a fond and respectful farewell to our fallen heroes,” he said. “May they rest in peace.”

As Secretary Napolitano, Commissioner Bersin and President Kelley read the names of the 113 names of CBP Officers inscribed on the walls of the memorial, attendees proceeded to light their candles.

The Vigil of Lights is an important part of NTEU’s annual three-day Legislative Conference from February 28 through March 3, which drew hundreds of union leaders from around the country.