Patrolman Frederick Henry Liebler

Frederick Henry Liebler

Patrolman Fred Liebler died as a result of complications of influenza while manning an ambulance during the epidemic.

He had taken several victims to the hospital when he contracted the flu. He was taken to St. Alexis Hospital, where he died as a result of complications four days later.

Patrolman Liebler was assigned to the 6th Police District and was survived by his wife.

Effects of the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic on Law Enforcement

Also known as "Spanish Flu" or "LaGrippe," the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 to early 1920, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. The effect of the influenza epidemic in the United States was so dire that the average life span in the U.S. fell by twelve years. The four waves of the flu began in March 1918 and ended in April 1920. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Influenza Pandemic will likely never be known. Still, ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission never to forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Influenza memorial, listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.