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Incident
Constable Palmer was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three armed robbery suspects. When he encountered the suspects he ordered them to put their hands up. Two of the men complied by the third opened fire with a handgun, striking Constable Palmer in the neck.
The suspect was apprehended in Seminole County on February 4, 1929, convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Pumpkin Center is a small town located in Seminole County.
Constable Palmer had been in law enforcement for nearly 40 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and seven children.
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
40 years. You could have gone home.
Constable Palmer gave the Pumpkin Center Police Department 40 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Wewoka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Palmer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Pumpkin Center Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1929, 7 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 59. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. David had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
David was 59. 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. David had served 40 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 59. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 40 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%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Pumpkin Center 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 52% of all 33,917 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 31-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Pumpkin Center Police Department are honored on badge.nw.