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The FOGHORN
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
October 21, 2021
U.S. Marshal Donald O'Keefe
“US Marshals - Their History and How They Fit into the Criminal Justice System"
Article by Mary Rogren
Photos by Dianne Bobko
How wonderful was it to greet an old friend to many Rotarians (and a former member of our club), Donald O’Keefe!
For the last 10+ years, Don has served as a U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of California and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Before that, he served as Police Chief for the City of Half Moon Bay and also became an integral part of the City of Half Moon Bay Management Team. Prior to his tenure in Half Moon Bay, Don spent 27 years with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. Don’s education includes a BS, MPA, FBI National Academy, Command College, and West Point Leadership Training.
Don opened his talk with showing a video that described what the U.S. Marshals are all about. Key facts include:
- The U.S. Marshals Service was the first federal law enforcement agency in the United States.
- Federal marshals have served the country since 1789, often in unseen but critical ways.
- The Marshals Service occupies a uniquely central position in the federal justice system. It is the enforcement arm of the federal courts, involved in virtually every federal law enforcement initiative.
- Presidentially appointed U.S. marshals – one for each federal judicial district – direct the activities of 94 districts. (Don is one of them!)
- Approximately 3,738 deputy U.S. marshals and criminal investigators form the backbone of the agency.
- The duties of the U.S. Marshals Service include protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending federal fugitives, managing and selling seized assets acquired by criminals through illegal activities, housing and transporting federal prisoners and operating the Witness Security Program.
Don noted that after being recommended by Senator Dianne Feinstein, he was nominated by President Barack Obama on June 9, 2010 to serve as the US Marshal for the Northern District of California. Don shared that Farmer John Muller accompanied him to Washington DC when he was inducted as a US Marshall.
Don continued his talk by providing some context to the US Marshal organizational structure. The US Marshals report into the federal government through the Deputy Attorney General. The USMS is a very unique organization in that it is housed in the Executive branch of the government but can be directed by the Legislative and Judicial branches. Ultimately, the USMS is the primary enforcement arm of the federal courts. In 1890, the historic Neagle case confirmed that the US Marshal has the same authority as a state Sheriff in enforcing law, giving the USMS very broad powers particularly in national emergencies.
Don also shared some history of the US Marshals since 1789 including how the USMS duties evolved in the wild west including in the days of Wyatt Earp, a US Marshal.
Don’s proudest reflections about the history of the US Marshals is their work during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s. Don mentioned how proud he is to have met Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to attend a desegrated all-white elementary school --- who was accompanied by a US Marshal in order to attend class in New Orleans in 1960.
Don shared that the US Marshals have been often present to keep peace and order, particularly in situations when local law enforcement would not enforce federal law. The US Marshals were on site at the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama on May 26, 1981; with James Meredith at Ole’ Miss in 1962; at University of Alabama in 1963; with the Freedom Riders in 1965 in Selma; at Vietnam anti-war protests in the late 1960’s; at Wounded Knee in 1973; and at Alcatraz in 1971.
Don took questions from Kevin, EJ, and Ralph. EJ asked about the US Marshals overlap with other agencies and how do the agencies avoid stepping on each other’s authorities. Don explained that federal agencies divide up responsibilities in “swim lanes”. The FBI is focused on terrorism; the DEA on drugs; the HDF on firearms, and the USMS on fugitives.
What a special presentation!
Club Meeting - October 21 , 2021
President Joe called the meeting to order. 
Pledge of Allegiance - Dave Andrews and our guest, Don O’Keefe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inspirational Thought -Dave Andrews provided the inspirational thought for the day. As he drove into work on this dark and rainy day, Dave recalled the days of sharing close fellowship with Rotarians who are no longer with us including Robin Jeffs.
Announcements and Happy/Crappy News 
Joe explained that the Potomac trip on Sunday may be interrupted with the atmospheric river storm that was approaching the Bay Area. The Potomac trip will meet at 12:30 on Sunday, October, 31. The boat will depart at 1PM.
November 9 will be a social meeting from 6-7:30 at the old railroad station center below the Johnston House.
Rose shared that the Senior Center is looking for volunteers as backups for delivery of Meals on Wheels to seniors. Rose is planning on shadowing a current volunteer to understand the obligations --- but she encourages Rotarians to volunteer and participate.
EJ shared that he delivered sandwiches to Abundant Grace this week.
Pres. Joe's Weekly 'States of the Union Quiz - NORTH DAKOTA
Joe shared that the nickname for North Dakota is the “Roughrider” state but is also known as the “Peace Garden” state. The Dakota Territory was established in 1861, and was admitted to the Union in 1889 along with neighboring South Dakota as the 39th and 40th states. North Dakota is the nineteenth largest in area, but with a population of less than 780,000 as of 2020.
The capital is Bismarck, but the largest city is Fargo. Rugby, North Dakota claims to be the official geographical center of North America, although Center, North Dakota also claims that ranking, unofficially. Rugby is closer.
Marble Draw 
Coming Events
A social, in-person meeting on November 4 is in the planning stage.
The December 16 Christmas meeting and District Governor visit will be at the Oddfellows Hall.