Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I read of your death in a book just recently. I came here to pay my respects. I leave hoping and prayng for a better world.
Thankyou for your service marshal Degan.
Never forgotten brave Warrior Brother.
Be at peace with God.

Senior Constable
South Australia Police

December 16, 2010

William,
It was an honor for me to announce your name today during the Law Enforcement Memorial service in Idaho. May you rest easy. You are not forgotten.

#562
Boise Police

May 7, 2010

Sir.many of us think of you all the time.You were a great guy,a wonderful CO(USMCR)and a friend.
Bottom line ,is that you are missed, Bill.JB

Sgt J Butler
Chelsea Mass.PD

April 17, 2010

Brother Bill,
I think of you often. I'm honored to have been taught by you and worked by your side. You held the back door.
Know that a SOG hug from you was always special.
Rest in Peace till we meet again.

1292 CV
SI USMS

January 14, 2010

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only true peace and comfort through such incidents; He is our continual refuge. May it help the family and friends of this beloved officer to know that, even after all these years, they do not grieve alone.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

November 9, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 17th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was your brother in green as well so I must also say Semper Fi.

Rest In Peace.

I hope to one day meet some of your family at a COPS function.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

Anonymous

August 21, 2009

Rest in peace Marshal Degan. I read about your story for a report for Grad school. A terrible tragedy caused by some wacked out people. I hope you are resting in gods arms.
"Blessed are the Peacemakers For they shall be called Sons Of God."
Matthew 5:9

Sergeant Chris DiToro
NYPD

August 21, 2008

You have not been forgotten. Thinking of you today and of all your loved ones and close friends. Continue to watch over them and protect them. You are a true hero.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

August 21, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 20, 2008

You died a Hero! Rest In Peace...You will never be forgotten.

Detective Shari Degan
Dallas Police Dept

May 28, 2007

Semper Fi Bill.

#0779
USMS (ret)

February 16, 2007

Never forgotten for the duty you did.

Michael Giannetti
VA Police, Boston, Mass

February 3, 2007

Major Degan,
Semper Fi brother! We met in April 1989, SOG basic. When we meet again, we'll finish our conversation.

Steve Weathersby
U.S. Marshals

November 29, 2006

I worked with Bill in the early 80's when I was a Federal
prosecutor in Boston. because I had been an Army officer in
Vietnam we hit it off immediately. Billy was the consumate professional and enjoyed unversal respect. He was
a natural leader who inspired great confidence in all who
were lucky enough to work with him. I have a 17 year old
daughter and if some day she brings home a young man with
one-half the decency and moral character of Billy Degan her
mother and I will be pleased to welcome him into our family.

AUSA John C. Doherty
Friend

September 7, 2006

I saw your story on American Justice. It is always a tragedy when a peace officer loses his life. Thank you for your service.

I hope your family has found some peace.

J
Ohio

August 1, 2006

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as the lion." Proverbs 28:1

Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Rest is peace, Bill.

#5020
US Marshals

June 4, 2006

Thank you for your service.Rest in peace.

May 15, 2006

Rest In Peace.

#2959
U.S. Marshals

February 22, 2006

Deputy Degan and his family gave the ulitmate sacrifice and I stand in awe of them.

Gary Wiles
Kansas Sheriffs

December 21, 2005

On 09/12/05 Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05 remembered Deputy U.S. Marshal Francis Degan Jr. and dedicated our training day to him.

You are not forgotten.

Boston Police Academy RTG 42-05
BPD

November 22, 2005

Marshal Degan;you are never Forgotten
"Blessed are the Peacemakers For they shall be called Sons Of God."
Matt.5:9

Explorer

November 8, 2005

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN BILL, YOU ALWAYS ANSWERED THE CALL TO DUTY, YOU ARE A HERO!!!

CPL MARK MOE
PASCO SHERIFF DEPT.

September 30, 2005

Rest easy, Brother. You have not been forgotten.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

September 24, 2005

Deputy Marshal Degan,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country, not just as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, but as a U.S. Marine as well.

Semper Fi Devil Dog
A fellow former Marine;LEO

August 21, 2005

Rest in peace brother.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department

August 21, 2005