Incident
Patrolman Keirsey was shot and killed while he and three other state and local officers surrounded a home where a group of bank robbery suspects was hiding. One of the suspects was shot at the front door and ran towards the back, where Patrolman Keirsey was located. When the suspect saw Patrolman Keirsey he opened fire with his two .45 caliber pistols, fatally wounding him. One of the state agents shot and killed the suspect. Patrolman Keirsey's uncle, Police Officer Ben Collins, of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, was shot and killed in the line of duty on August 1, 1906. His brother, Deputy William Keirsey, was also shot and killed the following year while serving with the Carter County Sheriff's Department.
Survivors
Patrolman Keirsey was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Keirsey served with the Seminole Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Seminole community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Keirsey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Seminole Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James 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 1929, 7 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
November holds 8.2% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 12.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Seminole Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28% 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
Seminole Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Seminole Police Department are honored on badge.nw.

