Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma
End of Watch Monday, January 19, 1914
Add to My HeroesD. C. Oates
Deputy Warden D.C. Oates, Sergeant Fred Godfrey, and Correctional Officer Herman H. Drover were shot and killed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary by three prisoners who were attempting to escape. A former Oklahoma congressman visiting the prison was also killed and three others were shot and wounded.
No one seemed to know exactly how, but each of the three prisoners had obtained a revolver. As they ran towards the front gate they shot everyone they saw and begged other inmates to join them, but no other inmates did. As they reached the front gate and fled outside guards opened fire on the escapees, killing all three.
Deputy Warden Oates had been with the agency for seven years and was survived by his wife and five children.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour 7 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; Revolver
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsRest in peace always and know that no passage of time can ever erase your your service and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
January 19, 2021