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Incident
Sergeant Frank McAteer suffered a fatal heart attack following a long struggle with a suspect. He and another local officer attempted to arrest the man for disorderly conduct. During the arrest, the man began to struggle, and it took five to ten minutes to subdue him. On the way to the jail, Sergeant McAteer began complaining of chest and leg pains but attributed it to the long struggle. While booking the prisoner in the jail, Sergeant McAteer suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed. He died the next day. Sergeant McAteer had served with the La Plata County Sheriff's Office for 4 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
Sergeant McAteer gave the La Plata County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Durango community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant McAteer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
La Plata County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Frank is one of 11 officers lost to cardiac events in CO, 3% of the 361 remembered there.
Frank is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1981, 2 officers in CO were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1981, 16 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1981, 16 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Frank was 39. Of the 9 lost to cardiac events in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 55; the middle age was 50. Frank had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 18.5 years.
Frank was 39. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Frank had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Frank was 39. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Frank had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 27.3%. Sundays: 9.1%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 13.9%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at La Plata County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3% of all 361 deaths in CO, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
La Plata County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from La Plata County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
