Too Tough to Die: Down and Dangerous with the U.S. Marshals

Founded in 1789, shortly after Washington was inaugurated, the Marshals Service is remembered for having helped to put down the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794 and for Deputy Marshal Pat Garrett, who shot Billy the Kid in 1881. Starting its third century, the organization is currently responsible for the Federal Witness Protection Program, so well run that it has never lost a witness. Two decades ago a wave of airplane hijackings prompted the in-flight presence of so-called Sky Marshals on commercial flights. The service also transports convicts, some exceedingly dangerous, and pursues escaped prisoners and bail-jumpers. Sabbag ( Snowblind ) expertly provides portraits of several marshals and tales of their adventures, ranging from high drama to low comedy. Photos not seen by PW. Reader's Digest condensed book selection. (Apr.)