Killed in the Line of Duty 89 Years Ago This Week

February 15, 2013 — The Salt Lake City Police Department remembers the loss of two of its own: Officers Brigham H. Honey Jr. and William N. Huntsman, killed in the line of duty February 16, 1924. Officers Honey and Huntsman were killed while attempting to arrest an armed robber.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., a suspect entered State Café, 46 W. Broadway, and ordered the clerk at gunpoint to surrender the money from the register.  When the suspect rejoined his female companion on the street, an employee exited the cafe and fired a shot at them.

The noise attracted the attention of Honey and Huntsman, who pursued the pair south on Main Street.  At 337 S. Main, a gun battle ensued during which both the officers and the suspect were wounded.

Officer Huntsman, 26, was killed immediately. Officer Honey, 34, died several hours later.

As other officers converged on the scene, the wounded suspect dragged his female companion into a doorway and shot her through the face; he then killed himself. The female accomplice survived her wound. She was subsequently released.

Officer Honey was married and the father of two children. Officer Huntsman was married and the father of a daughter. The officers are buried near each other in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

A memorial plaque honoring Honey and Huntsman was installed at 337 S. Main Street in May 2011. The Salt Lake City Police History Project seeks to honor all of its Fallen Officers in this manner. If you are interested in supporting the Fallen Officer Memorial Plaque program, please contact Lt. Mike Ross, (801) 799-3660 or michael.ross@slcgov.com, for more information.

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