Prev
Incident
Marshal Edward Whittier was killed in a horse-and-buggy accident while transporting a prisoner from Cheney to the county jail in Spokane Falls. During the trip, he turned his buggy off of the roadway to allow another buggy to pass. When he did so, one of the wheels struck loose rock that been blasted during railroad construction. The horses pulling the buggy lost their footing and attempted to run away. They pulled the buggy into a railroad trestle, causing the buggy to overturn. Marshal Whittier and the prisoner were both thrown to the ground. Marshal Whittier suffered a skull fracture. The prisoner, who was only slightly injured, walked the four miles into town to alert others of the accident.
Marshal Whittier had served as marshal for 14 months, and had previously served as sheriff of Spokane County for 2 years.
He was survived by his parents and a brother.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and a brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpxsnkbnt4mg6d719a6a- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Edward. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
138 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Whittier gave the Cheney Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cheney community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Edward is the only officer of Cheney Police Department remembered here.
Edward is one of 111 officers lost to accidents in WA, 32.6% of the 340 remembered there.
Edward is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edward is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1888, 1 officer in WA was lost to accidents, the 30th heaviest of 70 years on record. The heaviest was 1968, with 5.
In 1888, 7 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 139th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1888, 13 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 143rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Edward was 44. Of the 92 lost to accidents in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46.3; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 44. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Edward had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 44. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Edward had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 6.3% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 15.3%. Tuesdays: 11.7%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Cheney Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 32.6% of all 340 deaths in WA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Cheney Police Department are honored on badge.nw.