Shively Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch Saturday, April 27, 1974
Add to My HeroesArmond VanCleave
Officer Armond VanCleave was killed in an automobile accident. Officer VanCleave was riding in the rear of a stretcher car while transporting a heart attack victim to a local hospital. At the intersection of Seventh and Oak Streets, a vehicle struck the stretcher car broadside and Officer VanCleave was injured. He was transported to the local hospital where he died from his injuries the next day.
Bio
- Age 42
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
- Incident Date Friday, April 26, 1974
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsHis son, Armond “Buddy” VanCleave, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and became a police officer with the Louisville Division of Police (later the Louisville Metro Police Dept.). He spent more than half his career in the Traffic Unit, and was a trained Fatal Team investigator. As a lieutenant I ran the Traffic Unit for 6 years. Buddy was one of the hardest working officers I ever met in my 29 years as a police officer. More impressive is the fact that he took the word “Service” - emblazoned on our patch - to heart. He truly loved helping people, and consistently went “above and beyond”. Buddy was severely injured while helping a motorist stopped in a dangerous turn on the interstate. A car going too fast around a sharp turn lost control and veered towards the motorist and Buddy. Buddy pushed the motorist out of the way, saving his life. Buddy however was struck in front of a guardrail, pushing him back and snapping his tibia. He had numerous surgeries, and returned to work. But the damage and pain was severe, and he eventually retired.
I was proud to be his supervisor, and even more proud to call him my friend. His father, especially, would be proud beyond measure.
Lieutenant Doug Sweeney (Rtd)
Louisvile Metro Police Dept.
April 1, 2020
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