Montana Law Enforcement Museum

212 E. Broadway
Philipsburg, MT 59858
(406) 859-6536

Policeman Frank Cavanagh

Glendive Police Department

Department Patch

Policeman Cavanagh was shot and killed while arresting a suspect for disturbing the peace and threatening to kill his wife. The man's wife had signed a complaint in order to have the man removed from the home. Policeman Cavanagh met the man at the house and asked him to accompany him to the police station. As the two walked out of the house the man suddenly produced a revolver and shot Policeman Cavanagh once in the back and then three times in the body, killing him instantly. The suspect fled but was arrested a short time later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison but was paroled in 1962. Policeman Cavanagh had served with the Glendive Police Department for 5 years. His wife and father survived him. His father served as the Glendive police chief at the time.

End of Watch:
July 3, 1946
On the Force:
5 years