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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Frank Adams was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for interfering in his brother's arrest.
Deputy Adams had observed the man creating a disturbance and cursing while walking up Thomas Street. The man had just been in a fight near Jackson Square. Deputy Adams arrested the man and attempted to take him to jail, but the man resisted. Two citizens came to his aid and took hold of the man in an attempt to take him to jail. At the same time, the man's brother broke through the gathering crowd and began yelling that his brother would not be arrested. Deputy Adams then attempted to arrest this man, too, and a struggle ensued. The suspect gained control of Deputy Adams' service weapon and shot him in the arm.
All of the bystanders began to flee at the sound of the gunshot, and Deputy Adams continued to struggle with the man. The suspect then shot Deputy Adams two more times in the chest and face. Deputy Adams was taken to his home, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect was arrested the following day and admitted to murdering Deputy Adams. No records exist about what became of the suspect.
Deputy Adams was memorialized along with three other officers in Key West in 1994, thanks to the research of a local historian.
Deputy Adams was survived by his wife and six children.
Survivors
Deputy Adams was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Adams served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Key West community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Adams.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1901, 4 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1901, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1901, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 42. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
Frank was 42. 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 was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 4.9% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Mondays: 10.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 16.7% of all 6 deaths at Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 10.3% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Monroe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
