Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Monday, October 21, 1918
Add to My HeroesWalter Scott Bates, Sr.
Police Officer Walter Bates died as a result of complications of influenza while in the performance of his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.
Due to the devastation of the Influenza Epidemic, Philadelphia Police districts were used as makeshift hospitals. Police officers were ordered to fill and deliver prescriptions, act as pallbearers of victims, placard homes, collect bodies of victims out of their homes, assist doctors and health officers, and make sure establishments were closed and following guidelines to stop the spread of the flu.
Police Officer Bates served with the Philadelphia Police Department for more than seven years and was assigned to the 29th Police District. He was survived by his wife and nine children.
Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement
From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.
The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour 7 years, 3 months
- Badge 2972
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Thursday, October 10, 1918
Most Recent Reflection
View all 1 ReflectionsI have the great honor of researching your case and writing the first reflection on your memorial. May your service and sacrifice never be forgotten.
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Volunteer Researcher
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July 26, 2024
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