Francis P. Konen
Agency patch
Patrolman

Francis P. Konen

Kelso Police Department — Kelso, WA
Felonious
End of Watch March 27, 1948
Age 33
Tour of Duty 3 yrs
The Vigil Panel 84 ›
Gender Male

Incident

Patrolman Francis Konen was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance at a local hotel. The two other officers left the scene after things calmed down, and Patrolman Konen remained behind to interview two of the females involved. As he did so, the male suspect, who was drunk, came down to the lobby and started to assault Patrolman Konen. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect gained control of Patrolman Konen's service weapon and shot him twice. Although mortally wounded, Patrolman Konen was able to subdue the suspect and hold him until backup units arrived. The subject was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 99 years. He was paroled after 12 years. Patrolman Konen had served with the Kelso Police Department for 3 years.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife and young son.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-1F893C80
Stewardship
Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
Added to badge.nw
August 2, 2026
Last updated
August 2, 2026

Honored here by 1 tribute.

Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Francis. Claim this record.

This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.

Tributes

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Konen gave the Kelso Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Kelso community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Konen.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Type Police Department
Location Kelso, Cowlitz County, WA
Platform Identity kelspd.cowlitz.wa.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch March 27, 1948
Tour of Duty 3 yrs
Age 33
Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious
Weapon Officer's handgun

Patrolman Francis P. Konen is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.

In WA, 187 of 340 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55% of this state's fallen. That is 55 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.

Kelso Police Department
1
of 1 officers
100% Felonious
WA — Statewide
187
of 340 officers
55% Felonious
Nationwide
1
of 97,772 officers
0% Felonious

National Cause Distribution

How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Francis P. Konen's cause is highlighted.

Felonious
1 (0%)
Accident
1 (0%)
Illness
1 (0%)
Cardiac
1 (0%)
Undetermined
1 (0%)
Suicide
1 (0%)

How Francis P. Konen Compares

Age at Death
33
This officer
Avg for Felonious: 39.0 years
Years of Service
3
This officer
Avg for Felonious: 8.4 years

When Felonious Deaths Occur

Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Francis P. Konen is highlighted in Mar.

Jan
1,392
Feb
1,295
Mar
1,373
Apr
1,516
May
1,504
Jun
1,442
Jul
1,587
Aug
1,517
Sep
1,491
Oct
1,371
Nov
1,447
Dec
1,624

Weapons Used Against Officers

Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Francis P. Konen was killed by officer's handgun.

Handgun
3,684
Gun
3,592
Gun; Unknown type
1,492
Shotgun
1,109
Rifle
935
Officer's handgun
909

Others Who Wore This Badge

0 officers from Kelso Police Department are honored on badge.nw.