Rugby Police Department, North Dakota
End of Watch Sunday, February 3, 1963
Add to My HeroesFrank Peterson
Patrolman Frank Peterson was shot and killed when he surprised two men burglarizing a business on Main Street early in the morning.
The suspects opened fire on Patrolman Peterson, wounding him. The suspects then used a total of seven guns to shoot Patrolman Peterson 16 times. Several of the shots came from the officer's service revolver. The two men were arrested in Minot several days later and charged with first degree murder.
Both suspects, ages 21 and 22, were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on March 19, 1963. One was paroled in 1979 and the other shortly thereafter.
Patrolman Peterson was a part-time officer for the Rugby Police Department and had previously served as a deputy for the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsI will forever be personally moved by your loss of life. Thank you for protecting the citizens of North Dakota.
It is a horrific case and my wish is that it would be an example of why life should always mean life.
To you’re family: although you’re killers were allowed out (& shamefully, one to adopt my brother and I), we did not stay in contact with him. He died alone.
I live my life in honor of officers and am grateful for his service. You will never be forgotten. I hope that knowledge brings you peace.
Traci
Women adopted by one of the shooters
November 26, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Trooper Ted Benda
Iowa State Patrol, IA
EOW: October 20, 2021
Deputy Sheriff Willie Earl Hall
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: September 14, 2021
Deputy Sheriff Oliver Little
Floyd County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: October 13, 2021
Lieutenant William Oscar McMurtray, III
Burke County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: October 11, 2021
Sergeant Raquel Virginia Saunders
Amarillo Police Department, TX
EOW: October 13, 2021
Senior Officer David Bryant Saavedra
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: September 2, 2021
Police Officer Yandy Chirino
Hollywood Police Department, FL
EOW: October 17, 2021
Corporal Gregory Campbell
Richmond County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: September 18, 2021
Detention Officer Anthony Nicoletti
Mohave County Sheriff's Office, AZ
EOW: October 11, 2021