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Incident
Officer Frank Edwards and Deputy Sheriff Webster Reece, of the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed at a roadblock 20 miles south of Tahlequah at approximately 4:00 am.
The roadblock had been setup to stop three men wanted for murder. When the vehicle stopped at the roadblock a shootout ensued and both officers were struck. Deputy Reece was killed instantly and Officer Edwards was mortally wounded. Officer Edwards contracted pneumonia and succumbed to the wounds on October 25, 1932.
During the shootout one suspect was killed and the other two escaped. The next day they shot it out with a posse of more than 20 officers and men. Deputy Sheriff J. Hurt Flippin of the Rogers County Sheriff's Office, and Special Deputy Andrew McGinnis of the Muskogee County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed. Both suspects were also shot and killed.
Officer Edwards had served with the agency for Tahlequah Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and child.
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.
Officer Edwards gave the Tahlequah Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Tahlequah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Edwards.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Frank is the only officer of Tahlequah Police Department remembered here.
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, 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 1932, 9 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Frank had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 6.5% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Tahlequah Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% 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 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 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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