In Memory Of
Frank Howard
Mojave County Sheriff, AZ
End of watch: 1973-11-01
Aircraft: Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Deputy Howard and Deputy Lloyd Heilman were killed in an aircraft accident while searching for escapees from the Mohave County Jail.
The two deputies were killed when their airplane crashed in the Cerbat Mountains during a multi-agency search for the five escapees. The fugitives were caught the next day.
The two deputies were killed when their airplane crashed in the Cerbat Mountains during a multi-agency search for the five escapees. The fugitives were caught the next day.
Thoughts and Memories of Frank Howard
Frank Howard was my father. He served his country valiantly during WWII and went on to become an attorney and a judge after the war.
We moved to Kingman, AZ in the early 60's and he set up a private practice. Being an avid pilot with his own Cessna 172, he was a member fo the air posse, using his airplane to assist local and state law enforcement agencies with situations in Mohave County when needed.
He was called out early on the morning of November 8, 1973 to search for multiple accused murders who had escaped from the Mohave County Jail that morning. Accompanied by Deputy Don Heilman (sp?), my father began his search shortly after daybreak. They took off around 7:00 a.m. and began searching the mountain ranges near town. Nobody knows for sure what happened, but the airplane he was piloting crashed in the mountains north of town, both were killed instantly.
My mother said that the last thing he said as he left the house was, "I'll be back... they need my help".
I thank my father for showing me that gallentry and honor are the only things that you can carry to your grave. He also showed me that law enforcement agencies are staffed by tireless, dedicated individuals who approach their duties with passion and commitment.
Every time I see a law enforcement officer, from any branch, I think of my father and his words of wisdom.
I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to all law enforcement officers for their dedication and often thankless pursuits to keep the population safe.
Thank you.
We moved to Kingman, AZ in the early 60's and he set up a private practice. Being an avid pilot with his own Cessna 172, he was a member fo the air posse, using his airplane to assist local and state law enforcement agencies with situations in Mohave County when needed.
He was called out early on the morning of November 8, 1973 to search for multiple accused murders who had escaped from the Mohave County Jail that morning. Accompanied by Deputy Don Heilman (sp?), my father began his search shortly after daybreak. They took off around 7:00 a.m. and began searching the mountain ranges near town. Nobody knows for sure what happened, but the airplane he was piloting crashed in the mountains north of town, both were killed instantly.
My mother said that the last thing he said as he left the house was, "I'll be back... they need my help".
I thank my father for showing me that gallentry and honor are the only things that you can carry to your grave. He also showed me that law enforcement agencies are staffed by tireless, dedicated individuals who approach their duties with passion and commitment.
Every time I see a law enforcement officer, from any branch, I think of my father and his words of wisdom.
I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to all law enforcement officers for their dedication and often thankless pursuits to keep the population safe.
Thank you.
William Howard
2009-07-26
