Final honor

Almost 100 years later, an Osceola marshal is getting the recognition he deserves for dying in the line of duty.

Osceola Police Department’s Marshal Richard Eggleston’s name was formally dedicated May 13 at the 27th annual candlelight vigil during National Police Week. Eggleston will receive state and federal recognition for dying in the line of duty.

“I just thought, you know, he died in service to his community, and I felt that nobody knew him,” said Osceola Police Chief Marty Duffus.

Duffus sent in the paperwork for the state of Iowa and National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM).

How it started

The effort for formal recognition first began two years ago with Duffus and former captain Ed Stoll when they were researching the history of the department.

Through their research, they came across articles of a fire in downtown Osceola 1 a.m. Nov. 22, 1917. According to the articles, there was an explosion and a building’s wall fell on Eggleston and a fireman named George Griffin, killing them both.

The fire was at Frick’s Drug Store on the south side of square.

Eggleston, 50, was a dedicated public servant. He was a two-term Clarke County Sheriff, with his term ending January 1915. From there to the time of his death, Eggleston was Osceola’s deputy city marshal. He also served nine years with the U.S. mail service.

“In Osceola, Iowa, accidents happen. This was an accident, but it doesn’t diminish what he was doing,” Duffus said. “So, as a department, we wished it wouldn’t have happened, but we’re proud to have been serving with someone, down the line, who’s made that kind of sacrifice.”

Family connection

Eggleston still has family connections to Osceola with residents Lucille and Duayne Fletcher. Eggleston is the great-uncle of Lucille, and Duayne serves on Osceola’s planning and zoning commission.

Lucille said she remembers her family talking about him many years ago, but she was often too young to really pay attention. However, 100 years later, the state and federal recognition does mean a lot to her.

“I’m proud of that,” she said. “I’m sorry that I didn’t know him at all, but I’m proud of the fact that they are adding his name.”

At the time of Eggleston’s death, or “end of watch” (EOW), he left behind five children. Historical records show Eggleston made $75 a month and $900 a year. The city agreed to pay Eggleston’s widow approximately $8.50 per week for 300 weeks in support of the family.

In lump sum, it was $2,360.15, which shows how inflation has changed a lot in 100 years.

The origin of the fire that killed Eggleston is unknown, but the explosion is believed to have resulted from acids and other combustibles stored in the basement of the drug store.

‘Where he should be’

Duffus said it’s important for the department, as well as the state, to know what kind of sacrifice Eggleston made for his community.

“We’re very honored to know that a previous officer made that sacrifice, and we just hope that we can live up to what the expectations are,” he said. “We wished it wouldn’t have happened, but for myself, it’s kind of gratifying to see that we found it, we sent in all of the paperwork, we did all the research, and he is now where he should be with the appropriate recognition.”