Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Saturday, October 12, 1918
Add to My HeroesMichael Edward Shortall
Police Officer Michael Shortall died as a result of complications from influenza while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.
Due to the devastation of the Influenza Epidemic, Philadelphia Police districts were used as makeshift hospitals. Police officers were ordered to fill and deliver prescriptions, act as pallbearers of victims, placard homes, collect victims' bodies from their homes, assist doctors and health officers, and ensure that establishments were closed and following guidelines to stop the spread of the flu.
Officer Shortall served with the Philadelphia Police Department for less than two years and was assigned to the 28th Police District, located at 20th and Burks Streets. He was survived by his wife and a son.
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 39
- Tour 1 year, 8 months
- Badge 2860
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Sunday, October 6, 1918
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 Reflections“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)
December 22, 2024