South Dakota Honors Minnehaha County Deputy Katherine Ann Frank
It has been a somber weekend for first responders in the Sioux Empire, and now they're mourning one of their own.
Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank was shot in the line of duty last Friday. She was admitted in critical condition and unfortunately passed away from her injuries yesterday on Monday, October 12th. Deputy Katherine Ann Frank was only 26-years-old.
According to reports from our news partners at Dakota News Now, officers responded to the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls last Friday night. They arrived to the scene around 7:30 PM.
Deputies were dispatched to the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive, arriving on the scene at around 7:30 p.m.
Approximately 30 minutes later, shots were fired, and a deputy and the suspect were shot....
The suspect, 39-year-old Brandon Oetken, was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Oetken faces three counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder on a law enforcement officer and three counts of Aggravated Assault on a law enforcement officer.
Fellow officers, South Dakota leaders, and communities sent out prayers to a "deputy fighting to stay alive after being shot."
The Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office did confirm that deputy was Katherine Ann Frank. She first joined the force at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in September of 2022 and then the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in June of 2024.
To help her family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time, the Minnehaha County Deputies Association have set up a GoFundMe page in honor of Deputy Katherine: A daughter...sister...girlfriend...niece...granddaughter...friend...and someone who gave up their life to protect her neighbors.
The badge was her job, but family was Katherine Ann Frank's life.
Her family describes her as incredibly funny and someone who gets along with just about everybody. Outside of work, she enjoyed spending time with her two dogs, Ares and Aspen, reading, cooking, and playing video games.
How Can I Donate To Deputy Katherine Ann Frank's Family?
You can click here to find the GoFundMe page to help Katherine's family and show your support.
Here's a message from her fellow first responders:
Katherine, thank you for your honorable service, your laughter, and the joy you brought to so many. To her family and everyone who loves her, please know that our law enforcement family and community are here to stand beside you.
We’ve got your six, Katherine. Today, tomorrow, and always.
On behalf of the Sioux Empire, thank you for your service Katherine and thank you to her family for sharing her with us.
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