News >> Browse Articles >> Officer Down News

CBP Officer Removed From Life Support After Collapse

Assistant Commissioner Winkowski and I are saddened to inform you of the tragic death of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer John Zykas. On September 2, CBP Officer Zykas suffered a major heart attack during a training course at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. After undergoing intensive surgery, CBP Officer Zykas was removed from life support and passed away on September 8.

CBP Officer Zykas served almost 15 years with the Office of Field Operations and legacy Immigration. After serving in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, CBP Officer Zykas joined the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service as an immigration inspector at the Port of San Ysidro in 1996. He moved to the Port of San Diego in 2004 as a CBP Officer after the creation of CBP.

CBP Officer Zykas is survived by his wife, Joanne and his two sons, Vincent and Philip.

He also leaves behind his parents, Josephine and John Joseph; his sister, Patricia; and his two grandchildren, Nicholas and Olivia.

The wearing of mourning bands is authorized and all CBP flags should be flown at half-staff from now until interment. A viewing for CBP Officer Zykas will be held Friday, Sept. 10 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., at Poway Bernardo Mortuary, 13243 Poway Rd., Poway, Calif. A mass will be held on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 15546 Pomerado Rd., Poway, Calif.

Assistant Commissioner Winkowski and I, together with all of CBP, extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Zykas and will keep them in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Alan Bersin
Commissioner