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Incident
Patrolman Francis Konen was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance at a local hotel. The two other officers left the scene after things calmed down, and Patrolman Konen remained behind to interview two of the females involved. As he did so, the male suspect, who was drunk, came down to the lobby and started to assault Patrolman Konen. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect gained control of Patrolman Konen's service weapon and shot him twice. Although mortally wounded, Patrolman Konen was able to subdue the suspect and hold him until backup units arrived. The subject was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 99 years. He was paroled after 12 years. Patrolman Konen had served with the Kelso Police Department for 3 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and young son.
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 Konen gave the Kelso Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Kelso community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Konen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Francis is the only officer of Kelso Police Department remembered here.
Francis is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
Francis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Francis 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 1948, 1 officer in WA was killed feloniously, the 44th heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1948, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1948, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Francis was 33. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41. Francis had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Francis 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. Francis had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Francis was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Francis had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 11.2% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 11.8%. Saturdays: 16%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Kelso Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Kelso Police Department are honored on badge.nw.