Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Thursday, August 24, 1911
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: August 24, 1911
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Police Officer Franklin Smith was killed when he was run over by a fire wagon being pulled by horses. He and several other mounted officers were responding in front of the fire wagon clearing a path while en route to a fire. When Officer Smith stopped to hold back a crowd his horse backed up and was struck by one of the horses pulling the wagon, knocking him to the ground. The wagon then ran over Officer Smith.
Officer Smith had served with the Detroit Police Department for two years and was survived by his wife and three children.