Incident
Chief of Police Olof Norfleet and Special Patrolman Elmer Dunn were killed in an automobile crash while on duty. On September 13, 1937, Patrolman Dunn attempted to intervene in a disturbance involving several subjects at the Royal Flush Tavern in Valley Park. He was severely beaten and his gun and billy club were stolen from him. He put out a broadcast and several subjects were taken into custody. The next day warrants were issued for the subjects for assault with intent to kill and robbery. On September 15th, Kirkwood police officers located another involved subject. They contacted Chief Norfleet who picked up Patrolman Dunn to take him to Kirkwood to identify the suspect. While en route, their vehicle overturned on Marshall Road three blocks from the Kirkwood city line. Patrolman Dunn was killed instantly and Chief Norfleet suffered fatal injuries. Chief Dunn told a person passerby who stopped to help that they were run off the road by two women. Chief Norfleet died en route to St Louis County Hospital. County officials did not investigate any further stating the vehicle must have had a blowout causing it to overturn. Chief Norfleet was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Valley Park Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. Olof is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Chief of Police Norfleet gave the Valley Park Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Valley Park community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Olof Norfleet served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Valley Park Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Olof is one of 242 officers lost to accidents in MO, 29.2% of the 829 remembered there.
Olof is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Olof is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1937, 5 officers in MO were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1937, 95 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1937, 109 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Olof was 40. Of the 226 lost to accidents in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 26 and 42; the middle age was 33. Olof had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Olof was 40. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Olof had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Olof was 40. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Olof had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.9% of these deaths in MO; August holds the most, 12.8%. Wednesdays: 17.4%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Valley Park Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 29.2% of all 829 deaths in MO, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Valley Park Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Olof among them.
Where
Military Service
Olof Norfleet served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Olof Norfleet’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Valley Park Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
