Correctional Officer Herman H. Drover, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma

Correctional Officer Herman H. Drover

Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma

End of Watch Monday, January 19, 1914

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Herman H. Drover

Correctional Officer Herman Drover, Deputy Warden D. C. Oates, and Sergeant Fred Godfrey were shot and killed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary by three prisoners who were attempting to escape. A former Oklahoma congressman visiting the prison was also killed and three others were shot and wounded.

No one seemed to know exactly how, but each of the three prisoners had obtained a revolver. As they ran towards the front gate they shot everyone they saw and begged other inmates to join them, but no other inmates did. As they reached the front gate and fled outside guards opened fire on the escapees, killing all three.

Officer Drover is buried in the Masonic section of Oak Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Bio

Age 49
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Shot and killed

escape attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Drover,
On today, the 110th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Oklahoma. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Offcer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 19, 2024