Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, Kentucky
End of Watch Saturday, April 13, 2002
Add to My HeroesSamuel Wilson Catron
Sheriff Samuel Catron was shot and killed in an assassination while leaving a political rally in Shopville, Kentucky at 1915 hours.
He has just given a campaign speech for the upcoming election in which he was running for his fifth term as sheriff. A suspect shot Sheriff Catron in the head with a high-powered rifle as he placed two cakes he had just purchased from a fundraiser into his patrol car. Sheriff Catron was wearing a vest at the time.
The suspect then attempted to flee the scene on a motorcycle but was apprehended by a deputy and a firefighter several miles away. The suspect was charged with capital murder. Two other suspects, including one of Sheriff Catron's former deputies and opponent in the election, were also charged with complicity to murder. Two of the suspects were sentenced to life in prison.
Sheriff Catron's father, Harold Catron Sr., was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 16, 1964 while serving as Chief of Police for the Somerset, Kentucky, Police Department.
Sheriff Catron had been with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department for 28 years, and had served as sheriff since 1986. He is survived by his mother, brother, and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 28 years
- Badge 111
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 79 ReflectionsGone but never forgotten
Cousin
Ellen Therese (Morrow) Golden
May 5, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022

Deputy Sheriff J'Mar Colin Abel
Chambers County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 20, 2022

Police Officer Joseph Anthony Santana
El Monte Police Department, CA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Corporal Michael Domingo Paredes
El Monte Police Department, CA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin W. "Melvin" Richardson
Fremont County Sheriff's Office, IA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Correctional Officer IV Jade Drennan
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: May 19, 2022

Deputy First Class Glenn R. Hilliard
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, MD
EOW: June 12, 2022
Detective Justin Michael Terry
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: June 10, 2022