FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (UPDATED 2/08/13)
The National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) is extremely saddened to report the death of Richard Pierce, chief of staff for the NBPC, longtime executive vice president, and retired Border Patrol agent. In early December 2012, Rich was diagnosed with cancer. As a result, he spent his holidays preparing to battle the cancer. Regrettably, the battle ended abruptly on February 3, 2013 while he was in the hospital. Rich was 58 years old.
Rich entered on duty with the United States Border Patrol on May 12, 1980 and was a member of session 135 of the Border Patrol Academy. After graduating the academy, Rich was assigned to the Border Patrol station in Sierra Blanca, Texas. Several years later, Rich transferred to the Border Patrol station in Tampa, Florida where he stayed until he retired on March 31, 2005.
One of Rich’s classmates said he remembers passing through the checkpoint and stopping to speak with Rich. He recalls being so surprised to see a guy from New York who had so much enthusiasm about living and working in West Texas. Another classmate who worked with Rich said he was always willing to work extra hours in order to catch a smuggling load or track down smugglers in the desert because he enjoyed his job so much.
Throughout his career with the Border Patrol, Rich was involved at every level of the NBPC. Although most would have gladly walked away after retirement, Rich offered to continue assisting the NBPC and was ultimately appointed as the first NBPC chief of staff. He was always eager to accept challenges involved with helping agents and keeping the NBPC operating smoothly. He was instrumental in setting up the first NBPC website in the late 90s and made every attempt at improving internal communications throughout the years. He served as liaison to PORAC and worked with PORAC to identify attorneys throughout the country to represent our members under PORAC's legal defense fund. He willingly traveled around the country helping agents with a wide variety of issues.
Rich was honest, dependable and a champion of the field agents. He preferred to remain out of the spotlight and never drew attention to himself. His vast experience, his quick wit and even quicker smile will be sorely missed.
The NBPC expresses condolences to the Pierce family as they mourn his passing. Please keep the Pierce family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Services for Rich were just confirmed as follows:
On February 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m., a memorial service will be held at Stowers Funeral Home - 401 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 ; (813) 689-1211.
February 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., a service will be held at the Florida National Cemetery - 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 ; (352) 793-7740.
