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Frank V. Smith
Incident
Location: Ohio Incident Date: Friday, May 26, 1916 Weapon: Gun; Unknown type Offender: Charged with murder
Railroad Detective Frank Smith succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two days earlier while attempting to arrest two men suspected of stealing freight in Toledo, Ohio.
A railroad switchman had notified the railroad police after he noticed about 30 crates of automobile tires that had been pushed from a train next to the tracks.
Detective Smith and another detective went to the area and concealed themselves nearby to wait for the suspects to return. A short time later two men approached but observed Detective Smith. One of the men opened fire, striking Detective Smith in the chest.
Despite being wounded, Detective Smith returned fire, killing one of the other suspects. He then walked a half mile to a nearby farmhouse where he sought assistance. The other suspect fled the scene but was eventually arrested and charged with murder, along with another accomplice.
Detective Smith was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Detective Smith was survived by his wife.
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- 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.
Railroad Detective Smith served with the Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Toledo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Railroad Detective Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 17 officers in OH were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
May holds 9.3% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 12.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 6.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.