Police Officer Franklin M. Smith, Detroit Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Franklin M. Smith

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Thursday, August 24, 1911

Franklin M. Smith

Officer 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 been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Struck by vehicle

Most Recent Reflection

View all 6 Reflections

Franklin Smith was my fathers father. My dad was Clifford Franklin Marion Smith and he died in 1974. I remember hearing my grandmother, my parents and maybe Aunt Helen talk about the accident and death. My dad did not remember his dad due to his age at the time of death ( 3 years old and his birthday was August 24th). I had never seen a picture of my grandfather and am glad to be able to see it here. I have talked many times about going see the memorial for police officers but have not made it but will try to now.

Marguerite Negele
grand-daughter

June 18, 2017