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Incident
Special Patrolman Elmer Dunn and Chief of Police Olof Norfleet were killed in an automobile accident while on duty. were killed in an automobile crash while on duty. On September 13, 1937, Patrolman Dunn attempted to intervene in a disturbance involving several subjects at the Royal Flush Tavern in Valley Park. He was severely beaten and his gun and billy club were stolen from him. He put out a broadcast and several subjects were taken into custody. The next day warrants were issued for the subjects for assault with intent to kill and robbery. On September 15th, Kirkwood police officers located another involved subject. They contacted Chief Norfleet who picked up Patrolman Dunn to take him to Kirkwood to identify the suspect. While en route, their vehicle overturned on Marshall Road three blocks from the Kirkwood city line. Patrolman Dunn was killed instantly and Chief Norfleet suffered fatal injuries. Chief Dunn told a person passerby who stopped to help that they were run off the road by two women. Chief Norfleet died en route to St Louis County Hospital. County officials did not investigate any further stating the vehicle must have had a blowout causing it to overturn. Patrolman Dunn had served with the agency for only four months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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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.
Special Patrolman Dunn served with the Valley Park Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Valley Park community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Patrolman Dunn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Valley Park Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Elmer is one of 242 officers lost to accidents in MO, 29.2% of the 829 remembered there.
Elmer is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elmer is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1937, 5 officers in MO were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1937, 95 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1937, 109 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Elmer was 37. Of the 226 lost to accidents in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 26 and 42; the middle age was 33. Elmer had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Elmer was 37. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Elmer had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elmer was 37. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Elmer had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.9% of these deaths in MO; August holds the most, 12.8%. Wednesdays: 17.4%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Valley Park Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 29.2% of all 829 deaths in MO, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Valley Park Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Elmer among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Valley Park Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
