(KIWA Staff Photo)Northwest Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Sioux County Sheriff Nate Huizenga says the death of a deputy in neighboring South Dakota is a painful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day and the families waiting for them to return home.
Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank, 26, died Monday, Oct. 12th, after being shot while responding to a call in Sioux Falls on Friday evening. Law enforcement agencies across Sioux County and northwest Iowa have shared tributes honoring her service and supporting her family and fellow officers.
Huizenga said the loss makes him think about his own personnel responding to calls each day and the emphasis placed on returning home safely during academy training.
Supporting Officers and Their Families
Huizenga said Sioux County officers are wearing mourning bands over their badges in tribute to Frank. He also said officers who wish to attend her funeral will be encouraged to do so.
Having spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement, Huizenga said the loss is especially difficult because Frnak was so early in her career.
Asked what he tells his family when tragedies like this occur, Huizenga said preparation is central to his response.
Huizenga said those efforts help reduce risk but cannot eliminate it entirely.
Tributes Across Northwest Iowa
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office also offered condolences in a Facebook post and said it stands with its South Dakota neighbors during a difficult time.
The Sioux Center Police Department shared a post from the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and offered prayers for Frank, her family, and law enforcement personnel.
The Orange City Police Department also offered condolences, writing that although officers serve different communities, they are united by the same commitment to protect and serve.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office noted that members of its staff had recently worked with Frank on a case and praised her professionalism while asking people to keep her family, friends, coworkers, and fellow officers in their prayers.
Frank’s Service and the Shooting Investigation
According to the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Frank began working at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in September 2022 before joining the sheriff’s office in June 2024.
The agency said Frank was surrounded by family and loved ones in her final moments and became an organ donor after her death.
A memorial has been established at the Law Enforcement Center, 320 W. Fourth St. in Sioux Falls. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19th, at 1 p.m. at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, and the invitation is open to law enforcement officers and any members of the public wishing to pay their respects.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched to the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive around 7 p.m. Oct. 9th and arrived at approximately 7:30 p.m. About 30 minutes later, shots were fired, striking both Frank and the suspect. Both received immediate medical treatment and were transported to hospitals.
Authorities identified the suspect as 39-year-old Brandon John Oetken of Sioux Falls. He has been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer involving premeditation and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting.
Huizenga said law enforcement agencies across the region will continue supporting Minnehaha County in the days ahead.
He also emphasized the growing awareness of mental health needs within law enforcement and the importance of officers taking care of themselves so they can continue serving their communities.
