Texas Rangers, Texas
End of Watch Friday, October 11, 1918
Add to My HeroesBen L. Pennington
Private Ben Pennington died after contracting the Spanish Flu while assigned to assist with quarantine efforts in El Paso, Texas.
As Spanish Influenza killed millions throughout the world, officials in El Paso requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Private Pennington and Private Robert E. Hunt were dispatched to keep order. Both men contracted the influenza. Private Pennington became ill on October 7th, 1918, and died on October 11th, 1918. Private Hunt died on October 16th, 1918.
Private Pennington was a well known officer and over his career had been shot 16 times and lost an eye in various gun battles. He was survived by his wife. He was buried in the Jackson Cemetery in Bell County.
Private Pennington had served in law enforcement for a total of 20 years. He had served 12 years as city marshal of Holland, in Bell County, and eight years as an elected Precinct 3 Bell County constable. On October 4th, 1917, at age 56, he enlisted as a Texas Ranger and was posted to Brewster County in far West Texas.
Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement
From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.
The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.
Bio
- Age 57
- Tour 20 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Monday, October 7, 1918
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsNo passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
October 11, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024