Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Cavanagh was shot and killed while arresting a suspect for disturbing the peace and threatening to kill his wife. The man's wife had signed a complaint in order to have the man removed from the home. Policeman Cavanagh met the man at the house and asked him to accompany him to the police station. As the two walked out of the house the man suddenly produced a revolver and shot Policeman Cavanagh once in the back and then three times in the body, killing him instantly. The suspect fled but was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison but was paroled in 1962. Policeman Cavanagh had served with the Glendive Police Department for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and father. His father served as the Glendive police chief at the time.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and father.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-MT-52455482- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Cavanagh gave the Glendive Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Glendive community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Cavanagh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Frank Cavanagh 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank Cavanagh's cause is highlighted.
How Frank Cavanagh Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1962
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank Cavanagh is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank Cavanagh was killed by handgun; revolver.