On Tuesday, April 4, 1905, Officer Henry Stotko of the Spokane Police Department interrupted a burglary on Post Street as he walked home.
The two suspects shot Officer Stotko, which caused immediate paralysis. They dragged Officer Stotko behind some bushes. Before they left, they took his badge from his chest and pinned it to the seat of his pants.
A night watchman found Officer Stotko about an hour after the shooting. Officer Stotko was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The suspects were later caught and convicted of murdering Officer Stotko.
In addition to maintaining the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial, Behind the Badge Foundation
delivers critical support to surviving family members after a line of duty death - from grief
resources
to financial support.