Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police Oscar Sullivan was shot and killed shortly after midnight by a well-known traveling gambler he had ongoing problems with and had previously ordered to leave town. The man and an acquaintance had followed a woman along Central Avenue until she stopped her car in front of a cafe after turning into Broadway Street. The woman entered the cafe and told Chief Sullivan about the men. Chief Sullivan emerged from the cafe and confronted the men about following the woman. During the ensuing encounter, the man shot Chief Sullivan, killing him. The suspect, who claimed self-defense, was tried for murder and acquitted. Chief Sullivan had served with the Hot Springs Police Department for four years.
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BO-US-AR-FA3345DD- Stewardship
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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.
Chief of Police Sullivan gave the Hot Springs Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hot Springs community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Sullivan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Robert Oscar Sullivan 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 AR, 249 of 372 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.9% of this state's fallen. That is 66.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Hot Springs Police Department, 8 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 88.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Oscar Sullivan's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Oscar Sullivan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Oscar Sullivan is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Oscar Sullivan was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Hot Springs Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
