Deputy Sheriff Otto W. Runde, St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, Missouri

Deputy Sheriff Otto W. Runde

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, Missouri

End of Watch Friday, April 18, 1919

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Otto W. Runde

Deputy Sherif Otto Runde was killed while searching for a prowler near the Horton Avenue and Derby Avenue.

He and another deputy were investigating a prowler call at 2230 hours. The two deputies separated while walking down the street and headed toward a man, also walking down the street. The man, who was not connected to the prowler call, thought he was about to be robbed. As Deputy Runde came closer to the man, the man pulled out a gun and shot Deputy Runde twice.

Deputy Sheriff Otto Runde died while being transported to a local hospital. The man who shot him was actually a friend of Deputy Runde’s who mistook him for a robber. Deputy Runde's friend was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

Bio

Age 46
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Charged with carrying a concealed weapon

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Most Recent Reflection

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Your legacy still lives on.

You were not only a deputy sheriff, but a talented artist-painter, husband, father, and grandfather at the time of your death.

My dad spoke of you fondly and admired you. I cherish your two oil paintings that hang in my living room.

You are now a great grandfather, great-great grandfather, and great-great-great grandfather. You are honored in their lives of service also. Some of your decedents worked for fire, police, rescue, security, Pinkerton Agency, military, and the forestry service along with other volunteer service work.

Your wife’s poem still echos how you touched so many lives:

Going Back

If I could go back through the years
And find all that my heart holds dear,

If I could lift this veil of tears, and
Know that you are here,

If I could feel your kiss and hold
You in my arms again

Each moment, a priceless pearl to me
I would give all there's yet to be,
For one embrace

But could I let you return to space?
Perhaps, If I close my eyes, but go quickly,
Lest my cries, disturb your flight.

A birds sweet song, high in a tree
And I knew it was meant for me.

--Lillian Ann Runde
(Poem by Otto W. Runde's wife )