Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Frank Connolly was shot and killed while questioning two suspicious people outside of the Arlington Hotel near the intersection of 5th Street SW and Fourth Avenue SW on the West Side. A month later the suspects shot and seriously wounded the Lincoln County sheriff when he attempted to arrest them in Eureka. The sheriff managed to return fire and wounded one suspect. Two days later both suspects were apprehended in Flathead County. One of the men was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison. He was released in 1931. Officer Connolly had served with the Great Falls Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MT-F17B6191- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Frank. 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.
Police Officer Connolly gave the Great Falls Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Great Falls community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Connolly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Frank H. Connolly is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MT, 93 of 142 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.5% of this state's fallen. That is 11.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Great Falls Police Department, 4 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank H. Connolly's cause is highlighted.
How Frank H. Connolly Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 10 to 20 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank H. Connolly is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank H. Connolly was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Great Falls Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
