Harrisonville Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch Friday, April 21, 1972
Add to My HeroesFrancis E. Wirt
Patrolman Francis Wirt and Patrolman Donald Marler were shot and killed when they were ambushed by a suspect while walking their beat on the northwest corner of the town square.
The suspect approached them and opened fire with a M-1 rifle. Both officers fell to the ground, wounded. As they pleaded for their lives, the suspect shot and killed them both. The suspect then shot and killed one citizen, wounded Sheriff Bill Gough, and wounded two bank employees before committing suicide.
Patrolman Wirt was a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served with the Harrisonville Police Department for about a month. He was survived by his parents and four brothers.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour 1 month
- Badge 245
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; M-1
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 22 ReflectionsPatrolman Wirt,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
April 21, 2022
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