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Incident
Detective Perry Frost was shot and killed as he and his partner investigated a suspicious automobile. They noticed that lights were on at a nearby tavern at 1645 St. Louis Avenue and went to investigate why it was open. Unbeknownst to the detectives, three men were in the process of robbing the tavern's patrons. As the detectives approached, the lookout opened fire on them and were joined by the other suspects inside. The detectives returned fire at the suspects. Detective Frost emptied his revolver and had fired four more shots after reloading when he was struck in the chest and head. His partner ran after the suspects in a running gunfight but could not catch them. The three suspects were apprehended the next day. Two were convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years each. They were both denied parole in 1930. The third suspect was acquitted.
Survivors
Detective Frost was survived by his wife and two stepdaughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Frost served with the East St. Louis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the East St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Frost.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East St. Louis Police Department has lost 22 officers; 18 of them killed feloniously.
Perry is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Perry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Perry is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1920, 1 officer at East St. Louis Police Department was killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 13 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 3.
In 1920, 16 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Perry was 45. Of the 17 killed feloniously at East St. Louis Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45; the middle age was 43.
Perry was 45. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
Perry was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Perry was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 11.1% of these deaths at East St. Louis Police Department; February holds the most, 16.7%. Sundays: 33.3%.
November holds 9.6% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 81.8% of all 22 deaths at East St. Louis Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 44.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30.6% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
East St. Louis Police Department has 22 officers remembered here, Perry among them.
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Thomas Reedy May 5, 1903
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Patrick Gill
Sep 6, 1908
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James J. Arnold
Feb 11, 1913
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Marion League
Feb 27, 1916
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James P. Madden Aug 5, 1916
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Henderson D. Trafton
Nov 18, 1916
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Samuel H. Coppedge Jul 1, 1917
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Franklin J. Wodley
Jul 3, 1917
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Robert Roy Aldridge Jan 11, 1919
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James O'Brien
Apr 1, 1919
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Perry V. Frost Nov 14, 1920
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Joseph B. Friesz Feb 24, 1924
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Henry Bodendieck Apr 5, 1924
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David A. Moehler
Apr 18, 1925
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Clare A. Fletcher
Jun 16, 1940
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Earl V. Anderson Mar 25, 1951
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Norvell Ray
Jan 25, 1958
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Charles E. Lewis
Mar 16, 1962
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Fredrick D. Hudson
Jul 29, 1966
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Kenneth Joseph McCoy
Jun 7, 1973
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Manuel Farmer, III
May 25, 1975
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Robert B. Broshears
Jun 23, 1977
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
21 officers from East St. Louis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
