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Incident
Patrolman Frank Peterson was shot and killed when he surprised two men burglarizing a business on Main Street in Rugby around 5:00 a.m. When Patrolman Peterson witnessed a burglary in progress, he moved his patrol car into an alley off of Third Street to block the suspects' escape. As he looked over their car and moved through the alley to find the suspects, the suspects opened fire on Patrolman Peterson. Despite being wounded, he attempted to crawl to his patrol vehicle to radio for back-up. The suspects walked closer to Patrolman Peterson, and used a total of seven guns to shoot him 16 times. Several of the shots came from the officer's service revolver. The two men moved the police car and fled. They were arrested in Minot several days later and charged with first degree murder. Both suspects, ages 21 and 22, were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on March 19, 1963. One was paroled in 1979 and the other shortly thereafter. Patrolman Peterson was a part-time officer for the Rugby Police Department and had previously served as a deputy for the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
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 Peterson gave the Rugby Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rugby community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Peterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Frank is the only officer of Rugby Police Department remembered here.
Frank is one of 39 officers killed feloniously in ND, 63.9% of the 61 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1963, 1 officer in ND was killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 32 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 2.
In 1963, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1963, 71 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 56. Of the 37 killed feloniously in ND whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 55; the middle age was 50. Frank had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Frank was 56. 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. Frank had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.7% of these deaths in ND; July holds the most, 17.9%. Sundays: 12.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Rugby Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 61 deaths in ND, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.1% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Rugby Police Department are honored on badge.nw.