Incident
Sheriff Frank Smith and Deputy Sheriff George Beck were shot and killed while they and a third deputy attempted to arrest five horse thieves in a cabin approximately half way between Anadarko and Fort Cobb.
The suspects opened fire on the deputies, wounding Deputy Beck. Sheriff Smith was able to make it to the front door of the home but was shot when he kicked the door in and entered the house. Deputy Beck continued fighting until he was killed.
The suspects were members of the notorious Casey Gang. Two suspects were apprehended a few days later. Both were convicted of manslaughter. One was sentenced to three years and the other to eight years in the Kansas Penitentiary. One of the subjects was shot and killed by deputies near Wewaka on February 21st, 1902. The other two were shot and killed by deputies at Cleo Springs on November 3rd, 1902.
Sheriff Smith had served with the Caddo County Sheriff's Office for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnkycrbdpjytyn1ex1pq- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Frank. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Smith gave the Caddo County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Anadarko community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Caddo County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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 1902, 4 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1902, 104 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1902, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 42. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Frank had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Frank was 42. 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 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 42. 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 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Caddo County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28% 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.
His people
Caddo County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Caddo County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
