Flags in South Dakota To Fly at Half-Staff for Fallen Sheriff’s Deputy

Flags across South Dakota will be lowered to honor a fallen Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy.

Governor Larry Rhoden announced Wednesday (October 14th) that he had ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sunset on Monday, October 19,  in honor of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank, who lost her life on October 12, three days after being injured in the line of duty.

Frank had worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary from September 2022 until being hired by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in June of 2024.

READ MORE: Support Taco John's Fundraiser for Deputy Frank

Governor Rhoden has also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff statewide the day before the funeral services for Deputy Frank, Sunday, October 18th, to honor her along with all the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The funeral service for Deputy Frank is scheduled for Monday, October 19th, at 1:00 PM at the Denny Sanford Premier Center i n Sioux Falls.

October 9th, Deputy Frank and two other deputies responded to a home near 41st Street and Ellis Road in western Sioux Falls to serve a mental health hold. Upon announcing themselves, a suspect, identified as Brandon John Oetken, produced a handgun and shot Deputy Frank. Another officer returned fire, striking Oetken multiple times.

Oetken survived his injuries, was discharged from the hospital, and faces upgraded murder and aggravated assault charges.