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Incident
Patrolman Frank Kowalkowski was shot and killed while attempting to arrest several robbery suspects at 35th Street and Broadway in Bay City. At 1:00 a.m., Patrolman Kowalkowski witnessed a man on the lookout for another subject leaving an alley on 30th Street. After questioning both men, Patrolman Kowalkowski walked them to the patrol call box and attempted to arrest them. One of the men pulled out a gun and shot him multiple times before Patrolman Kowalkowski could draw his weapon. He was transported to Mercy Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds at 8:25 a.m. Several subjects were questioned, but his murder remains unsolved. Patrolman Kowalkowski had served with the Bay City Police Department for less than two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, two brothers, and sister.
In Our Keeping
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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.
Patrolman Kowalkowski served with the Bay City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bay City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kowalkowski.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bay City Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 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 1923, 12 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 31. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Frank had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Frank was 31. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 31. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 12.3% of these deaths in MI, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 11.6%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Bay City Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.6% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Bay City Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Bay City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
