Roll of Honor
Incident
Undersheriff Whitsel was shot and killed while he and the sheriff searched for a suicidal man. The two officers were on horseback and riding a remote trail in Blind Bridger Canyon when they were ambushed by the man with a rifle. Both men were struck and Undersheriff Whitsel was mortally wounded. Although wounded, the sheriff was able to go for help. The body of the suspect was found a short time later suffering from a self inflicted gunshot wound.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-MT-9AE4E3B2- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Undersheriff Whitsel served with the Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Big Timber community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Undersheriff Whitsel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Undersheriff H. Frank Whitsel is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,588 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 11.6 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. H. Frank Whitsel's cause is highlighted.
How H. Frank Whitsel Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. H. Frank Whitsel is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. H. Frank Whitsel was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
