Small Neighborhood South Dakota Coffee Shop Honors Fallen Deputy

South Dakota communities are coming together to honor the life of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank.

Deputy Katherine Ann Frank passed away on Monday, October 12th after being shot in the line of duty. Even though Deputy Katherine Ann Frank is no longer with us, her memory lives on across the Sioux Empire.

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Minnehaha County Deputies Association (via GoFundMe)

Our news partners at Dakota News Now report that the 26-year-old deputy along with other officers "were called to 39-year-old Brandon John Oetken’s home Friday, October 9th, to serve a mental illness hold" in western Sioux Falls.

The documents say Oetken retreated into the home while speaking with officers. They followed to maintain contact. As the officers stood close together in the entryway, Oetken allegedly produced a handgun and pointed it at them.

As officers retreated, Oetken allegedly fired, striking Frank at close range. Another officer returned fire, striking Oetken multiple times.

Officials with the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Deputy Katherine Ann Frank was an organ donor. Sheriff-elect Josh Phillips tells Dakota News Now this act of service is "a testament to who she was."

Tributes have been pouring in across the nation, especially here in the Sioux Empire. A small town coffee shop in Flandreau, South Dakota even has a emotional tribute for Deputy Katherine Ann Frank.

JJ's Coffee Spot (via Facebook), Canva

In a powerful Facebook post from the local JJ's Coffee Spot, owners have left a place at their table for Deputy Katherine in honor of her service and bravery.

Deputy Katherine Ann Frank is someone they never knew, but it was important for JJ's Coffee Spot to pay their respects for a fallen hero.

She gave the ultimate sacrifice. We hate that this happened but we are proud to honor her memory and all those gone before her including The late Chief Deputy Ken Prorok whom we knew well.

Law Enforcement is the first call we make in dire and not so dire need times so we will always do our best to honor them. Jamie was previously a 911 dispatcher so this is and always will be close to her heart!

Please join us in praying for Minnehaha County and all LEO at this time

You can click here to find the GoFundMe page the Minnehaha County Deputies Association created to help Katherine's family during this unimaginable time.

As a member of a first responder family, I give my heartfelt condolences to Deputy Katherine Ann Frank's family and loved ones, officers who protect the Sioux Empire, and any first responder sacrificing their life for us. We salute you...always.