Sergeant Fred C. Godfrey, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma

Sergeant Fred C. Godfrey

Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma

End of Watch Monday, January 19, 1914

Fred C. Godfrey

Sergeant Godfrey, Deputy Warden D. C. Oates, and Correctional Officer Herman H. Drover were shot and killed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary by three prisoners who were attempting to escape. A former Oklahoma congressman visiting the prison was also killed and three others were shot and wounded.

No one seemed to know exactly how, but each of the three prisoners had obtained a revolver. As they ran towards the front gate they shot everyone they saw and begged other inmates to join them, but no other inmates did. As they reached the front gate and fled outside guards opened fire on the escapees, killing all three.

Sergeant Godfrey had been with the agency for two years and was survived by his wife. He is buried in Rosemound Cemetery in Medford, Oklahoma.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Shot and killed

escape attempt

Most Recent Reflection

View all 6 Reflections

Sgt. Godfrey,
On today, the 104th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your two fellow Officers who were also killed in that incident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oklahoma. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 19, 2018