Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Frank Bruno was shot and killed while investigating a burglary in progress at 639 E McLemore Avenue, The Ace Sundry. Patrolman Bruno and his partner were informed by a citizen of a possible burglary at the address around 1 a.m. While Patrolman Bruno's partner questioned the complainant, he entered the store. Two shots were fired as he entered, one of which struck and killed Patrolman Bruno. Patrolman Bruno's partner fired several shots at several suspects as they fled, but none hit their mark. A tip led to the arrest of all three suspects, ages 40, 36, and 24, on Sept. 25, 1962. Two were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Their sentences were later commuted to 150 years. The third suspect was sentenced to 99 years. In 1982 the terminally-ill suspect believed to have fired the fatal shot was pardoned by Gov. Lamar Alexander to die at home. Due to public outrage, Gov. Alexander withdrew the pardon 24 hours later and the suspect died in prison. The 24-year-old was paroled in 1985. The other suspect was paroled in 1980 and died a few days later. Patrolman Bruno had served with the agency for five years. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-3AF0CC32- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Frank. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Bruno gave the Memphis Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Memphis community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Frank Bruno, Jr. served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Frank Bruno, Jr. 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Memphis Police Department, 53 of 94 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank Bruno, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Frank Bruno, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Convicted of murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank Bruno, Jr. is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank Bruno, Jr. was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
93 officers from Memphis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
