Wall Of Honor
Preserving the Memory of Our Heroes

Thomas M. Weeks Jr.

Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: April 29, 2024

Tommy Weeks was killed in the line of duty on April 29, 2024, when a wanted fugitive shot him and numerous other law enforcement officers in Charlotte, NC. Weeks was a member of the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. Weeks served for eight years with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before joining the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in 2011. He served with the USMS in Washington DC and then Charlotte, NC. Tommy, a huge sport fan, was also a member of the U.S. Marshals Service Hockey Team. Weeks is survived by his wife and four children.

Samuel Abdiel Poloche

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: April 29, 2024

On April 29, 2024, Samuel Poloche was killed in the line of duty while serving as a member of a U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in Charlotte, NC. The Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force was serving a felony arrest warrant when they came under fire from the fugitive. Poloche, an investigator with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, was serving in his second assignment to the task force. Poloche was born in Venezuela and graduated from the University of North Carolina Pembroke in 2009. He is survived by his wife of 22 years and two sons.

William “Alden” Elliott

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: April 29, 2024

William Elliott passed away on April 29, 2024, after being shot during the service of a felony arrest warrant in Charlotte, NC. Elliott was an investigator with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and was assigned to the U.S. Marshal Service’s Carolina Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was a United State Marine who had served with the NC Department of Adult Correction for over fourteen years. Elliott is survived by a wife and one son.

Joshua Michael Eyer

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: April 29, 2024

Joshua Eyer, an officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), was killed in the line of duty on April 29, 2024, during an operation of the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force to serve a felony arrest warrant. Eyer joined the CMPD in 2017 after graduating from Pfeiffer University. He also served for twelve years as a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard where he completed deployments to both Kuwait and Afghanistan. Eyer is survived by a wife and one son.

Jose E. Gomez

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: February 6, 2022

Jose Gomez served as a Court Security Officer (CSO) in Las Vegas, Nevada prior to his passing on February 6, 2022, as a result of a long battle with the coronavirus. In addition to serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1979 to 1985, Gomez had a long career in law enforcement in Nevada. His career began as a corrections officer with the Nevada Department of Corrections. He also worked for the City of North Las Vegas where he began his tenure as a corrections officer and retired as a marshal. Gomez worked part-time as a District Security Officer for the U.S. Marshals Service while employed by the City of North Las Vegas. After retiring, he became a CSO with the Marshals Service. Gomez’s passions included walking his pets, competition powerlifting, and traveling the world. Gomez is survived by his wife, three children, and two stepchildren.

Jared M. Keyworth

Deputy U.S. Marshal/Senior Inspector

End of Watch: October 1, 2021

Jared M. Keyworth passed away on October 1, 2021, as a result of a line of duty death involving a vehicle accident. At the time of his passing, Jared was living in Mandeville, Louisiana and serving as a Senior Inspector with the Investigative Operations Division of the U.S. Marshals Service. Jared served eleven years with the Marshals Service, working in Investigative Operations, the District of Colorado, the Southern District of Florida, and the Eastern District of Louisiana. Prior to joining the Marshals Service, Jared served with the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2009. Jared is survived by his wife, a son and daughter, his parents, and seven siblings.

Hugh B. Bennett

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: February 10, 2021

Hugh Bennett was a Court Security Officer (CSO) and valued member of the federal court family in the District of Utah. He passed away from complications from the coronavirus on February 10, 2021. Hugh served in the United States Army from March 1988 through December 1991. He then joined the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office in 1995. When the Sheriffs Office transitioned to the Unified Police Department (UPD), Hugh continued service in the UPD until he retired in August 2015. Hugh then became a CSO and Special Deputy U.S. Marshal in Salt Lake City. Hugh loved to travel, was an avid reader, and had a passion for firearms. Hugh is survived by his wife, two children, two stepchildren, and many other family members and friends.

Vincent A. Gala Jr.

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: February 8, 2021

On February 8, 2021, Vincent A. Gala Jr. passed away as a result of a line of duty death involving complications from contracting the coronavirus. From 2007 until his death, Vince served as a Court Security Officer/Special Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Northern District of West Virginia, Wheeling Suboffice. Prior to his service as a Court Security Officer, Vince served with the Weirton Police Department for over thirty years, retiring as a Captain. Vince enjoyed his family as well as being outdoors and working on his farm. He is survived by his wife, two siblings, a son and daughter, and two granddaughters.

Craig A. Kriner

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: January 23, 2021

Craig A. Kriner suffered a line of duty death on January 23, 2021, as a result of complications from the coronavirus. Craig was a Court Security Officer/Special Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Northern District of West Virginia where he worked in the Wheeling suboffice. Prior to becoming a Court Security Officer, Craig served in the U.S. Air Force, and he retired from the Wheeling Police Department after a twenty-four year career where he served as a training officer and a detective. Craig is survived by his wife, one child, one grandson, and two siblings.

Havonia D. Holley

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: January 5, 2021

On January 5, 2021, Havonia Holley, Court Security Officer, Northern District of Georgia, suffered a line of duty death as a result of complications associated with the coronavirus. Holley retired from the New York City Police Department after a twenty-year career. In 2009, she began her service as a Court Security Officer/Special Deputy U.S. Marshal in Atlanta, Georgia. Holley loved shopping and travel. She is survived by her parents, three siblings, her daughter, and five grandchildren.

Michael J. Riley

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: September 24, 2020

Michael Riley served as a Court Security Officer (CSO) in New Orleans, Louisiana, prior to his passing on September 24, 2020. Prior to his service as a CSO in the Eastern District of Louisiana, Riley had a long and distinguished career with the New Orleans Police Department. A New Orleans native, Riley served over thirty-two years with the New Orleans Police Department. He retired in 2015 as a detective in the White Collar Crime Bureau. Shortly after his retirement, Riley became a CSO. Riley was active in many community organizations including the Xavier University Preparatory School's Dad's Club, the Beau Brummell Club, Boy Scout Troop #185, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Riley was also an active member of St. Raymond and St. Leo the Great Catholic Church. Riley is survived by his wife, four children, and three grandchildren.

Anthony McGrew

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: August 15, 2020

Anthony McGrew, Court Security Officer, Southern District of Georgia, retired after a distinguished career with the United States Navy. He became a Kingsland, GA Police Officer and served as a Patrol Officer and School Resource Officer. In 2018, Tony became a Court Security Officer/Special Deputy U.S. Marshal in Brunswick, GA and served in that position until his passing in August 2020 after a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife, Deborah, as well as three children, three grandchildren and seven siblings. 

Betty Ann Pascarella

Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: April 6, 2020

Betty Ann Pascarella served as a Deputy United States Marshal and Judicial Security Inspector in the Southern District of New York in Manhattan. After retiring from the United States Marshals Service, Betty Ann became a volunteer emergency medical technician with the North Shore Rescue Squad, Staten Island, New York. Betty Ann was a fitness enthusiast and enjoyed hiking, yoga and running marathons. Betty Ann passed away on April 6, 2020, from an illness linked to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in New York City.

Brian L. Magee

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: April 6, 2020

Brian L. Magee, Court Security Officer (CSO), passed away on April 6, 2020 at the age of 66. Magee served in the Southern District of Texas in Houston for over eleven years. Prior to his service as a CSO, Magee served for over twenty-five years at the Harris County, Texas Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, retiring as a Lieutenant. Magee is survived by his wife and four children.

Jacob Keltner

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: March 7, 2019

The U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund remembers McHenry County Sheriffs Deputy Jacob Keltner. Deputy Keltner was a task force officer working with a U.S. Marshals Service task force when he was killed in the line of duty on March 7. The Fund will work with the U.S. Marshals Service and the McHenry County Sheriffs Office to provide support to Deputy Keltner's family. Please keep Deputy Keltner's family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers. 

Norman D. Merkel

Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: January 16, 2019

On January 16, 2019, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Norman D. Merkel died unexpectedly from a medical condition while at work in the U.S. Courthouse in Corpus Christi, Texas. Norman was assigned to the Southern District of Texas.

The following link has information regarding Norman and the services which will be held in the coming weeks:  www.aberdeenfuneralhome.com/obituary/norman-d-merkel

Please join the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund in honoring and remembering Supervisory Deputy Merkel. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.  

Chase White

Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: November 29, 2018

It is with deep regret we share the tragic death of Deputy United States Marshal Chase White.  Deputy White was shot and killed while executing a felony arrest warrant on November 29, 2018, in Tucson, Arizona.  The subject of the arrest warrant was captured and is being held for the murder of Deputy White.

Chase White joined the U.S. Marshals Service in 2015.  He is a member of the U.S. Air Force and was scheduled to return to active duty on November 30, 2018.  He is survived by his wife and their four children, whose ages range from 7-14.

The U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund hand delivered a benefit check to Deputy U.S. Marshal White's family this past weekend. We also made a commitment to the White family that the Fund's education assistance program will be there for the White children. As always, your support allows us to help the families of our fallen heroes in their greatest hour of need. We ask that you keep the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy White in your thoughts and prayers.

Vaughn Troy Aiken

Support Specialist

End of Watch: September 3, 2018

In Loving Memory

Vaughn Troy Aiken, 46, died Monday, September 3, 2018 surrounded by family and friends after a year-long illness with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Vaughn was born on Sunday, May 21, 1972 at 9:30 am in Brooklyn, New York to Annette Vaughn Aiken and his late father, Henry Eugene Aiken. When he was two years old, the family moved to the Bronx, New York. Vaughn attended school in the Bronx until he enrolled at City College in Manhattan, New York where he graduated in 2003.

Vaughn began his federal government service at a young age working as a Clerk for the US Attorney's office before being hired by the U.S. Marshals Service in 1996 as a Support Specialist in the Southern District of New York. During his 22 distinguished years at the U.S. Marshals Service, Vaughn was promoted six (6) times working as a Support Specialist and Property Management Specialist eventually transferring to the Headquarters in Virginia for the last 12 years of his career. His last position was the Property Officer for the Information Technology Division until his retirement in June of 2018 due to his illness. Vaughn loved working in the Property Management field and consistently excelled at his job. His many achievements and accolades included several employee achievement awards and the 2016 Director's Distinguished Group Award for the implementation of a new property management system at the U.S. Marshals Service.

Vaughn was full of life and was often found telling jokes to make people laugh. He was a lover of many things, Marvel movies, Batman - yes the actual Batman character, taking selfies of anyone and everyone who crossed his path, and especially martial arts. His passion for martial arts started at a young age when his Mom enrolled him in classes. He developed his skills over the years and opened up his own martial arts school in his garage 5 years ago teaching others about Jiu Jitsu and Bujinkan. He took pride in his martial arts skills and would frequently walk down the hallways at work trying out various martial arts techniques on his unsuspecting co-workers, much to their chagrin. He continued his teaching until his illness progressed and he could no longer hold classes. His obsession with Marvel and the Batman character also began at a young age and continued to his death. He often would dress up like Batman and anxiously wait for new Batman movies to come out. When asked why he loved Batman, he would simply respond "We are soulmates. I am just like him - we are both out to save the world."

Christopher David Hill

Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: January 18, 2018

Deputy U.S. Marshal Christopher David Hill, 45, died in the line of duty at approximately 6:30 a.m. on January 18, 2018 while serving a warrant on a fugitive in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  He was a part of the Middle Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force which was executing an arrest warrant. 
 
While executing the warrant, the team was fired upon by a male subject who was in the residence.  Deputy Hill and two local task force officers were struck by gunfire during the assault.  Deputy Hill was transported immediately to UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  The other officers were treated for non-life threatening injuries.  The male subject who fired upon the officers died when officers returned fire.  The individual wanted on the arrest warrant was taken into custody.
 
Deputy U.S. Marshal Hill joined the United States Marshals Service in 2006 and served in the District of Columbia, Superior Court.  In 2009, he was promoted to Criminal Investigator and transferred to the Middle District of Pennsylvania.  Deputy Hill also served as a member of the Special Operations Group and was recognized for his service in Afghanistan.  Prior to joining the Marshals Service, Deputy Hill served our nation in the United States Army from 1993 to 1996.  Deputy Hill is survived by his wife and two children.

Kenneth J. Doyle

Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: July 26, 2017

Deputy U.S. Marshal Kenneth J. Doyle died on July 26, 2017 as the result of cancer that he developed following his assignment to assist with search and rescue efforts and to escort other government officials around the World Trade Center site in New York City immediately following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Doyle was 65 years old at the time of his passing.

Deputy Marshal Doyle was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired after serving with the United States Marshals Service for 20-1/2 years. After his retirement, Doyle served as a Court Security Officer in White Plains, NY. Doyle was also a member of the American Legion.

Doyle was an avid Yankees and Rangers fan and enjoyed golf and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of thirty years and his four children.

Pat Carothers

Deputy Commander

End of Watch: November 18, 2016

The U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund deeply regrets to inform you that Deputy Commander Pat Carothers of the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force died in the line of duty November 18, 2016. Deputy Commander Carothers was part of a fugitive task force executing an arrest warrant for a fugitive wanted for attempted murder of police officers, domestic violence, and unlawfully discharging a weapon. The fugitive had been located at a trailer near Ludowici, Georgia.  The task force team was making entry when Deputy Commander Carothers sustained two fatal rounds.  The team immediately transported Deputy Commander Carothers to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  The fugitive was also shot by return fire and is deceased.  No other law enforcement personnel were injured during this incident.  

The U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund hand delivered a benefit check to Deputy Commander Pat Carothers's family the day after he made the ultimate sacrifice.

Zacarias Toro

Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: June 14, 2015

On June 14, 2015, Deputy U.S. Marshal Zacarias Toro passed away after a valiant battle with cancer.  His illness was a direct result of his rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following September 11, 2001.  Deputy U.S. Marshal Toro was a responder to the attacks on the World Trade Center, courageously providing security for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and assisting with the search and rescue efforts to ensure the safety of victims of the attacks.  On June 6, 2015, Deputy U.S. Marshal Toro was presented with the United States Marshals Service Purple Heart Award for the injuries he sustained during the performance of his duties that ultimately led to his death. 

On June 15, 2015, The U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund presented Deputy U.S. Marshal Toro’s family with an immediate death benefit.   Deputy U.S. Marshal Toro is survived by his beloved wife Lorraine; his sons Zachary, Jeremy, and Nicholas; his daughter Emily; and his mother Bonita.  Please keep the Toro family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Josie Wells

Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: March 10, 2015

Deputy Marshal Josie Wells was shot and killed as he and other members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve an arrest warrant on a double-murder suspect at the Elm Grove Motel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Shots were exchanged as the team attempted to take the man into custody and Deputy Wells was struck. He was transported to a local hospital by another deputy marshal but succumbed to his wounds a short time later. The subject was shot multiple times and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He died the following day.

Deputy Marshal Wells was assigned to the Southern District Office in Mississippi.

Frank McKnight

Special Deputy U.S. Marshal

End of Watch: May 29, 2014

Special Deputy Marshal Frank McKnight succumbed to injuries sustained the previous day when he was struck by a transit bus outside of the U.S. District Courthouse in Providence, Rhode Island.

He was on duty and using a crosswalk between the courthouse and the John O. Pastore Building when the bus attempted a left turn and struck him. He was transported to a Rhode Island Hospital where succumbed to his injuries.

McKnight was a Rhode Island National Guard veteran and had served with the United States Marshals Service as a court security officer for 13 years. He had previously retired from the North Kingstown Police Department as a lieutenant with 25 years of service.