For nearly 20 years, U.S. Capitol Police Officer William “Billy” Evans protected the Capitol building, where he was assigned to the North Barricade. He was tragically killed in the line of duty on April 2, 2021. Read more about Billy’s life in the Berkshire Eagle.

Billy was born in North Adams, Mass., and moved to Clarksburg, Mass., prior to attending Drury High School. He made a group of lifelong friends there, and they opened the Billy Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund to recognize graduating seniors in the Clarksburg area who embody Billy’s values of family, friendship and community.

“We considered all kinds of ideas, from statues to naming a bridge after him, but nothing seemed to reflect Billy’s personality or character,” Michael Bua stated on the fund's website. “We started the Billy Evans Memorial Scholarship in order to help others, which is something Bill did every day of his life. He was committed to his family, his friends, and his community. Recognizing others who also live with such a dedication was the best way to remember him.”

Billy’s friends and family are actively fundraising for the scholarship fund through a “$42 for 42” campaign to recognize what would have been his 42nd birthday. A memorial golf tournament will be held in Stamford, Vt., on Oct. 1. The inaugural tournament in 2021 raised more than $20,000.

“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support,” Bua stated. “Bill was one of us. He grew up here and never forgot his roots. It’s our job to make sure his community never forgets him.”

Visit the BTCF scholarship page to apply.