WASHINGTON—The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will hold a memorial ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, to honor the first Native American, post-Prohibition era, ATF investigator killed in the line of duty. The name of William Louis Pappan, a member of the Kaw Nation, who was killed 75 years ago, will be unveiled at the ATF Headquarters Memorial Wall in Washington.
ATF’s unveiling ceremony is in conjunction with National Police Week activities and will include a presentation of colors, a wreath laying ceremony, taps and a Native American blessing. Pappan’s 82-year-old son, who was 6 years old at the time of his father’s death, will attend along with other members of the family.
Pappan was killed on Dec. 4, 1935, as he conducted late-night beer license inspections at a Tulsa, Okla., night club. At the time of his death, he was weeks shy of his 41st birthday and just four months into his job as an investigator with the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Alcohol Tax Unit (the precursor of ATF).
WHO: ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson Department of Justice, Office of Tribal Justice, Deputy Director Chris Chaney National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund Pappan family members WHAT: Louis Pappan Memorial Observance
WHERE: ATF Headquarters – Memorial Wall 99 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20026
WHEN: Wednesday, May 11, 2011
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
NOTE: Reporters/media outlets are encouraged to RSVP by 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2011, to joyce.patterson@atf.gov, or (202) 648-7912. All media must present media credentials and/or other photo identification at the ATF Visitors Entrance. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.
