Gerry Studds: “4 years ago, on August 21, 1992, Deputy United States Marshal William F. Degan lost his life in the performance of his…”

“4 years ago, on August 21, 1992, Deputy United States Marshal William F. Degan lost his life in the performance of his duty during the violent confrontation at Ruby Ridge, ID, between Federal marshals and white separatist Randy Weaver. While many intervening tragedies have since captured the public's attentions, Bill is well remembered in his hometown of Quincy, Massachusetts, as a patriot who responded to the call of duty, and a husband and father devoted to the family he left behind. It is in recognition of his supreme sacrifice that I joined with Senator Specter and Congressman Fox in introducing this important bill, which will provide educational assistance to the dependents of Federal law enforcement officials who are killed or disabled in the performance of their duties. Years ago, the Congress established an educational assistance program for the survivors and dependents of members of the armed forces who are killed or disabled in the line of duty. Surely the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to ensure our domestic tranquility deserve no less. This legislation will ensure that Bill Degan's sons, William Jr. and Brian, and others in their situation, are able to afford the kind of education their parents would have wanted them to have. It will be a fitting tribute to a man who did so much to make our country a better and safer place in which to live.”