Railroad Detective Cleveland Kemp, Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

Railroad Detective Cleveland Kemp

Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Sunday, June 7, 1914

Cleveland Kemp

Railroad Detective Cleveland Kemp was killed after being struck in the back of the head with an iron pick while patrolling the rail yards at Silver Grove, Kentucky.

He was regularly assigned to Cincinnati but had been sent to Silver Grove due to a rash of box car thefts that had occurred there. He was seen following two hobos along the tracks at approximately 2:00 am.

He wasn't seen again until his body was located by two boys after daybreak. He had been stabbed in the back of the head with an iron pick, which was found nearby. His body was placed in a ditch and covered with cinders.

On March 25th, 1914, Railroad Detective Leslie Johnson was fatally shot in the same railroad yards and died two days later. Investigators at the time believed that the same subjects committed both murders. It is not known if anyone was ever charged with either murder.

Detective Kemp was survived by his wife and one child.

Bio

Age 30
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Location Kentucky
Weapon Edged weapon
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

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To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 102nd anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

August 21, 2016