[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 71 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ALEX KIRPNICK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 1998

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Border Patrol Agent 
Alex Kirpnick, who was shot and killed last night in Nogales, Arizona. 
Alex and his partner came upon five drug smugglers crossing just west 
of Nogales and in the course of doing his job, Alex was killed.
  Alex Kirpnick immigrated to the United States from Russia 10 years 
ago. He had been with the Border Patrol for 20 months and was a highly 
skilled agent who spoke eight languages. I know from speaking to Alex's 
colleagues that Alex was a man of great character and he will be 
missed.
  Alex was well-liked and respected by all those he worked with. Alex 
is survived by his parents, Boris and Eta Kirpnick, and a sister, 
Zhanna, who live in California. I have never felt the pain of losing a 
child, but during my tenure as Border Patrol Chief in Texas, I lost 
many good officers. I would like to extend my condolences to Alex's 
family and to his colleagues in Nogales who have lost a dear friend and 
a good agent.
  As a former border patrol chief, I know the sacrifices made by the 
men and women on our border, protecting our communities. I ask all of 
my colleagues to remember Alex and the often thankless job he performed 
each and every day. Alex faithfully served our nation and protected our 
communities while serving on our nation's border and we owe Alex a 
great debt of gratitude for his service and commitment.

                          ____________________