Patrolman Charles Tilden Crooker

Charles Tilden Crooker

Patrolman Charles Crooker died after contracting the influenza virus while manning a city ambulance during the Influenza Epidemic of 1918. It is believed he contracted the virus while tending to victims at a temporary hospital.

Patrolman Crooker had served with the agency for 19 years.

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.

Please click here to view ODMP's Spanish Flu memorial listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.