Crime & Safety

Portland Police Honor Fallen Officers

Ceremony honors 29 officers killed in the line of duty since 1867.

Portland Police honored their fallen officers in an annual ceremony Tuesday.

The ceremony, which took place at the Portland Police Memorial at Waterfront Park, honored 29 officers killed in the line of duty dating back to 1867.

Thomas O'Connor was the first Portland officer killed.

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He was a deputy marshal when he confronted Frank Miguel who was firing a gun into the air.

Miguel pointed the gun at O'Connor who grabbed for the gun and was shot in the thigh, breaking his leg. While his partner, who shot Miguel in the face, ran for help, O'Connor kept Miguel covered.

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O'Connor was then brought to the What Cheer Hotel at Yamhill and Taylor where his brother was the proprietor.

He died nine days later at age 43.

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