Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia
End of Watch Friday, October 11, 1918
Add to My HeroesArchie Auran
Officer Archie Auran died as a result of complications from influenza while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.
In October 1918, the Metropolitan Police Department suffered an outbreak of influenza inside the Police Department due to the department's response to the Influenza Pandemic. Police Officers worked extremely long hours, answered emergency calls, and assisted influenza patients due to being short-staffed. More than 100 officers of the department were off daily throughout October. The United States Army Military Police Officers were ordered to help strengthen the number of the Police Force. They assisted the police department with policing in the city for most of the month till the Police Department got back to full strength.
Officer Auran was a United States Army veteran and served with the Metropolitan Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings.
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.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 12 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Saturday, October 5, 1918
Most Recent Reflection
View all 1 ReflectionsI have the great honor of researching your case and writing the first reflection on your memorial. May your service and sacrifice never be forgotten.
Rocky Geppert
Volunteer Researcher
Officer Down Memorial Page
November 5, 2024
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