Remembering William Degan Twenty Years Later
- On August 21, 1992, Deputy U.S. Marshal William F. Degan was killed in
a firefight in a remote area of Northern Idaho known as “Ruby Ridge.”
Although the location is usually associated with a series of tragic
events involving law enforcement operations, and the underlying
sentiment towards them, there was a very real loss in our own agency
that was often overshadowed in the headlines and hearings. Read More
Appreciation of Honorary U.S. Marshal James Arness
- With the passing of a great friend and Honorary U.S. Marshal—who
solidified the penultimate character of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke
between 1955 and 1975, we tip our hats to a gentleman who truly got
behind law and order in real life. Several times before and after his
retirement from the series, he gave of his time and energy to the U.S.
Marshals. In 1972, he was invited to Marshals Service headquarters to
speak on his Gunsmoke character. Read
More
Even after
the creation of more than 50 specialized federal law enforcement
agencies during the 20th century, the Marshals retained the broadest
jurisdiction and authority. For over 200 years now, U.S. Marshals and
their Deputies have served as the instruments of civil authority
used by all three branches of government. Marshals have been
involved in most of the major historical episodes in America's past.
The history of the Marshals is, quite
simply, the story of how the American people govern themselves.
This section of the web site not only
portrays, in words and pictures, the modern Marshals Service, but it also
recounts many of the highlights from the history of the U.S. Marshals; a
span of history that is unique in American law enforcement.
The Marshals
Service looks back on a proud heritage - a tradition spanning two
centuries of service to the Nation and dedication to the principles of
our Constitution and the rule of law.
As our young nation expanded
westward, U.S. Marshals embodied the civilian power of the Federal
Government to bring law and justice to the frontier. For every new
territory, marshals were appointed to impose the law on the untamed
wilderness. And, at virtually every significant point over the years
where Constitutional principles or the force of law have been
challenged, the marshals were there - and they prevailed.
The challenges faced today by
Marshals and their Deputies are no less demanding than those of the
past. In fact, the skills, devotion and determination required to
carry out our contemporary responsibilities make the modern Marshals
Service a unique and elite cadre of law enforcement professionals.
And so, in looking back over our history, we would hope that you
recognize and take pride in the fact that this agency is an intimate
part of the continuum of the grand American experiment in
self-government.
Operation FALCON is a nationwide fugitive
apprehension operation coordinated by the United States Marshals
Service (USMS). The resources of federal, state, city and
county law enforcement agencies are combined to locate and apprehend
criminals wanted for crimes of violence.
