Spokane Police Department, Washington
End of Watch Thursday, April 22, 1886
Add to My HeroesRobert J. Rusk
Officer Rusk was shot and killed by two Indians who were seeking revenge against him.
He had recently prevented a jailbreak by the two men. Officer Rusk had gone prospecting and was attacked by the two at his campsite. The two suspects were apprehended by a posse, convicted of his murder, and sent to prison.
Officer Rusk was survived by his wife and eight children.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Convicted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsOfficer Robert James Rusk, badge #1 for the Spokane Police Dept., was my great-great grandfather. My father was born at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane in 1916. Never been to the city but want to come visit the police station and pay homage to Robert Rusk and all other officers that have given their life in the line of duty. I'm meeting with Denise Rusk Hopkins, yes related, this week to go over family history, and came across this site in my preparation. Honor and appreciation to those who pay the ultimate sacrifice for public safety.
Ronald J. Bee, San Diego, California
Civilian
great-great grandson
June 19, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

