La Plata County Sheriff's Office, Colorado
End of Watch Sunday, July 5, 1981
Add to My HeroesFrank A. McAteer
Sergeant Frank McAteer suffered a fatal heart attack following a long struggle with a suspect.
He and another local officer attempted to arrest the man for disorderly conduct. During the arrest, the man began to struggle, and it took five to ten minutes to subdue him. On the way to the jail, Sergeant McAteer began complaining of chest and leg pains but attributed it to the long struggle.
While booking the prisoner in the jail, Sergeant McAteer suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed. He died the next day.
Sergeant McAteer had served with the La Plata County Sheriff's Office for 4 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 509
Incident Details
- Cause Heart attack
- Incident Date Saturday, July 4, 1981
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsSgt. McAteer,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of La Plata. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 5, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: March 17, 2025

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 8, 2025