Incident
Police Officer Frank Sankey was shot and killed near the corner of 56th Street and Vine Street by a man he ordered to leave the area who was causing a disturbance. The suspect drew a revolver, and shot Policeman Sankey in the stomach. The suspect fled to his rooftop where he was apprehended. On January 6, 1915, the suspect, 38, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He died in prison on May 5, 1919. Officer Sankey served with the Philadelphia Police Department for less than four years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-717DE909- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Sankey gave the Philadelphia Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Sankey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Frank A. Sankey 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Philadelphia Police Department, 162 of 378 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank A. Sankey's cause is highlighted.
How Frank A. Sankey Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank A. Sankey is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank A. Sankey was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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