Deputy Edmund Trudeau (1904)

Department: Missoula County Sheriff
Rank: Special Deputy
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 10 months
End of Watch: Sunday, February 14, 1904
Cause of Death: Gunfire

On early Sunday morning of February 14, 1904, Deputy Sheriff Edmond Trudeau was shot and killed outside of John F. Delany's store in Lolo, Montana.

The store was hosting a Valentine's Day dance on Saturday night. The shooter, Herman Parsons, a farm laborer in the area, had attempted to gain entry into the dance hall several times but was repeatedly escorted out by Trudeau due to his level of intoxication.

Herman then went home, armed himself with a Winchester rifle, and began firing upon the store and dance hall from behind the scales in front of the building. As soon as Trudeau came outside to investigate, Herman shot him point blank at close range, killing him instantly. Herman attempted to flee, but was ultimately taken into custody after an ensuing gunfight with other deputies. He was subsequently sentenced to 99 years in prison.

Deputy Trudeau was a well-known and well-liked member of the Missoula/Lolo community. He was a rancher and owner of the Lolo Springs Stage Line, often driving the passengers himself and inviting them into his home on the ranch for dinner. Trudeau's dedication to the well-being of the community went beyond his work as a Peace Officer; he also carried the mail from Missoula to the Springs area (we believe this to be Lolo Hot Springs), and was known to the residents as a dependable and generous citizen.

Deputy Edmond Trudeau was survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.