Marshals celebrate 215 years

Jace Radke

Friday, Sept. 24, 2004 | 8:37 a.m.

The U.S. Marshals Service, the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the country, today is celebrating its 215th anniversary and its expanding law enforcement capabilities.

"America's law enforcement professionals are among our greatest heroes," President Bush states in a letter to the U.S. marshals in Las Vegas and across the country.

"Since 1789 U.S. marshals have contributed to the safety of our nation by providing security for our courts and witnesses, capturing fugitives, assisting with prisoner transportation and responding to emergency situations."

The agency's past is dotted with famous marshals from Wyatt Earp to Bat Masterson, and the five-pointed star is the oldest law enforcement badge in the country.

Fidencio Rivera, acting U.S. marshal for Nevada, said the marshals' responsibilities have grown over the years, from their main objective of protecting the federal judiciary to include witness security and assuming a leadership role in investigating and apprehending fugitives.

There are 88 marshal-led Fugitive Investigative Strike Teams throughout the country, included one in Las Vegas, Rivera said.

Since 2000 the Nevada FIST has arrested more than 1,300 fugitives. In 2003 the team made 308 arrests.