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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Robert Anderson succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained 25 years on March 5, 1969, at the Woodland Park Hospital in Portland.
Two deputies were transporting a man to the hospital after not being able to calm him down during a disturbance call. As soon as they arrived at the Woodland Park Hospital, the man reached over the back seat of the patrol car, grabbed a gun, and shot Deputy Anderson and another deputy. While the man's friend was attempting to take the gun away and subdue the man, he was also struck. The subject was apprehended and placed under arrest.
The suspect was found innocent by reason of insanity and was committed to the Oregon State Hospital.
The wound caused Deputy Anderson to become paralyzed. He died from complications of the wound on December 1, 1994.
Deputy Anderson had served with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office for only six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his father, sister, and caregiver.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Anderson served with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Portland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Anderson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has lost 10 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 115 officers killed feloniously in OR, 58.4% of the 197 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1994, 1 officer at Multnomah County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 8 years on record. The heaviest was 1993, with 2.
In 1994, 1 officer in OR was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 75 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 5.
In 1994, 93 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1994, 99 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 49. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Multnomah County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 36.8 and 49; the middle age was 41. Robert had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 4.7 years.
Robert was 49. Of the 97 killed feloniously in OR whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 51; the middle age was 43. Robert had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Robert was 49. 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. Robert had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 11.1% of these deaths at Multnomah County Sheriff's Office; November holds the most, 33.3%. Thursdays: 33.3%.
December holds 11.3% of these deaths in OR; November holds the most, 12.2%. Thursdays: 13%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 90% of all 10 deaths at Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 11.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58.4% of all 197 deaths in OR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21.7% 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
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has 10 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
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Robert Phillips
Nov 21, 1917
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Frank Walter Twombley
Nov 19, 1918
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Ed Diedrich May 24, 1924
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Walter William Leonhardt
Sep 28, 1931
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Ernest C. Loll
Sep 29, 1935
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Albert William Bowe
Nov 15, 1945
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Mark Alan Whitehead
Feb 26, 1993
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Scott E. Collins
Feb 26, 1993
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Robert Ray Anderson
Dec 1, 1994
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Irving Lawrence Burkett
Aug 21, 2003
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Multnomah County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
