Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Frank Knoebel was shot and killed while questioning a burglary suspect in the basement of the Odd Fellows Hall on Mulberry Street. Upon his arrival, the janitor led Patrolman Knoebel to a man sitting in a chair near the furnace. Chief Stewart soon arrived and advised him to stall the suspect while he went to get a witness to identify him. Soon afterward, the suspect tried to flee and during a struggle, the suspect pulled a gun and fired two shots, striking Patrolman Knoebel in the abdomen. Patrolman Knoebel was able to get the gun away from the suspect and climb a flight of stairs to block the exit, while the janitor subdued the suspect until Chief Stewart returned and took him into custody. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1949, the governor granted clemency and commuted the offender's sentence to life in prison with time served. He was released from prison and has since died. Patrolman Knoebel had served with the Madison Police Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his son.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-IN-39C75BDD- Stewardship
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
You barely got started.
Patrolman Knoebel gave the Madison Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Knoebel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Frank J. Knoebel 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank J. Knoebel's cause is highlighted.
How Frank J. Knoebel Compares
Offender Outcome
Died after release
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank J. Knoebel is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank J. Knoebel was killed by gun; unknown type.