Justice 75 Years in the Making: Sgt. Frank Linehan Finally Receives the Honor He Deserves
On November 14, 1950, New London Police Sergeant Frank Linehan collapsed and died after pushing through a crowd of 2,500 people at the Garde Theatre to help a woman who had fainted. For 75 years, his sacrifice went unrecognized. We are proud to share that Sgt. Linehan will finally be honored as a line-of-duty death at both state and federal memorials for fallen law enforcement officers.
This matters. Not just for the historical record, but for Sgt. Linehan's family, for every officer serving today, and for our shared commitment that no hero is ever forgotten.
That November evening, chaos erupted outside the Garde Theatre as crowds waiting for the "Asylum of Horrors" show smashed display windows and the ticket booth. When a woman fainted in the crowd, Sgt. Linehan and his fellow officers responded immediately. As he made his way through the lobby to help control the crowd outside, the 55-year-old sergeant suddenly staggered and grabbed a brass railing for support. He took three more steps and collapsed.
Sgt. Linehan died of a cerebral hemorrhage at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital that night.
Sgt. Linehan died doing what he always did—protecting and serving his community. His was a life dedicated to public service.
Sgt. Linehan's commitment to service began long before that November night. He served as an Army sergeant in World War I with the 60th Infantry division, fighting in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and England. He was wounded and gassed in the Argonne Forest and awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action.
After returning home, he joined the New London Police Department in 1920 and served with distinction for 30 years. He was the only known officer to die in the line of duty in the department's 158-year history.
In 1950, there was no formal mechanism to document line-of-duty deaths the way we do today. As a result, Sgt. Linehan's name was never added to the memorials that honor fallen officers—an oversight that would last for three-quarters of a century.
Everything changed when a grave researcher visiting St. Mary's Cemetery came across Sgt. Linehan's family plot and asked why he had never been properly honored. That simple question sparked Captain Todd Bergeson's months-long investigation through newspaper archives, funeral home records, calls to former police chiefs, and work with city and state offices. His dedication uncovered the truth and led to Sgt. Linehan's formal recognition.
As the union representing New London police officers, AFSCME Council 4 believes every officer who makes the ultimate sacrifice deserves to be remembered and honored. Sgt. Linehan gave 30 years to protecting New London after already serving his country in war. His family deserved this recognition 75 years ago. We're grateful they're finally receiving it today.
Sgt. Frank Linehan served his country in war and his community in peace. He died helping someone in need—his action represented the very essence of what it means to be a police officer.
Seventy-five years is too long to wait for recognition. But justice, however delayed, is finally being delivered.
Sgt. Linehan, we remember you. We honor you. Rest easy knowing your service will never be forgotten.
Sgt. Frank Linehan’s name will be engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. and formally dedicated on May 13, 2026 at the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil during National Police Week.