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Incident
Policeman Cavanagh was shot and killed while arresting a suspect for disturbing the peace and threatening to kill his wife. The man's wife had signed a complaint in order to have the man removed from the home. Policeman Cavanagh met the man at the house and asked him to accompany him to the police station. As the two walked out of the house the man suddenly produced a revolver and shot Policeman Cavanagh once in the back and then three times in the body, killing him instantly. The suspect fled but was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison but was paroled in 1962. Policeman Cavanagh had served with the Glendive Police Department for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and father. His father served as the Glendive police chief at the time.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and father.
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.
Policeman Cavanagh gave the Glendive Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Glendive community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Cavanagh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Frank is the only officer of Glendive Police Department remembered here.
Frank is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1946, 2 officers in MT were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 33. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39. Frank had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Frank was 33. 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 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 33. 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 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.6% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Wednesdays: 15.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Glendive Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.6% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Glendive Police Department are honored on badge.nw.