Deputy Sheriff Frank Lightner Armstrong, Augusta County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

Deputy Sheriff Frank Lightner Armstrong

Augusta County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

End of Watch Saturday, August 23, 1941

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Frank Lightner Armstrong

Deputy Sheriff Frank Armstrong was shot and killed as he and the sheriff attempted to serve a lunacy warrant on a man at his home on Sangers Lane, approximately 1-1/2 miles from Jefferson Highway.

The subject opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Armstrong and wounding the sheriff.

The Staunton police chief was shot and wounded several hours later as he lead a posse to arrest the suspect. Other posse members returned fire, killing the suspect.

Deputy Armstrong had served with the Augusta County Sheriff's Office for six years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Shot and killed

warrant service, EDP

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Most Recent Reflection

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I thought about you, Deputy Armstrong, and Doris, today when I learned that Augusta County wants to close its historic courthouse. My great aunt, Helen Gilkeson, was married to the Sheriff who was with you when you died that day. Doris never remarried and she had dinner at my grandmother's almost every week. I heard about this all my life. It was part of my reason for becoming a lawyer. You were part of an important tradition. Thank you.
Catherine Hammond
Richmond VA
November 2021

Catherine Currin Hammond
Family friend

November 30, 2021