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Incident
Chief of Police Oscar Sullivan was shot and killed shortly after midnight by a well-known traveling gambler he had ongoing problems with and had previously ordered to leave town. The man and an acquaintance had followed a woman along Central Avenue until she stopped her car in front of a cafe after turning into Broadway Street. The woman entered the cafe and told Chief Sullivan about the men. Chief Sullivan emerged from the cafe and confronted the men about following the woman. During the ensuing encounter, the man shot Chief Sullivan, killing him. The suspect, who claimed self-defense, was tried for murder and acquitted. Chief Sullivan had served with the Hot Springs Police Department for four years.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Sullivan gave the Hot Springs Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hot Springs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Sullivan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hot Springs Police Department has lost 9 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 1 officer at Hot Springs Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1899, with 3.
In 1924, 2 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 12.5% of these deaths at Hot Springs Police Department; March holds the most, 50%. Mondays: 25%.
April holds 10.8% of these deaths in AR, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 88.9% of all 9 deaths at Hot Springs Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 37.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Hot Springs Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Hot Springs Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
