Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Amos Catlett died of injuries sustained when he was accidentally shot while inspecting a firearm.
On May 18, 1940 Policeman Catlett was asked to inspect and demonstrate the difference between a .32 caliber regular and .32 caliber special pistol for a citizen. As Policeman Catlett was inspecting one of the pistols, it accidentally discharged, striking him in the leg.
Policeman Catlett was taken to a local hospital for treatment for his wound. During his stay at the hospital, Policeman Catlett developed a blood infection and died as a result on June 6, 1940.
Policeman Catlett served with the Knoxville Police Department for 10 years.
On May 18, 1940 Policeman Catlett was asked to inspect and demonstrate the difference between a .32 caliber regular and .32 caliber special pistol for a citizen. As Policeman Catlett was inspecting one of the pistols, it accidentally discharged, striking him in the leg.
Policeman Catlett was taken to a local hospital for treatment for his wound. During his stay at the hospital, Policeman Catlett developed a blood infection and died as a result on June 6, 1940.
Policeman Catlett served with the Knoxville Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five young children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-3C8ACFD6- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Catlett gave the Knoxville Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Knoxville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Catlett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Amos Catlett is one of 1 officers lost to accidents in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In TN, 191 of 769 officers were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 24.8% of this state's fallen. That is 24.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Knoxville Police Department, 4 of 17 officers on record were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 23.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Accident compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Amos Catlett's cause is highlighted.
How Amos Catlett Compares
When Accident Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Accident deaths across the full memorial record. Amos Catlett is highlighted in Jun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
16 officers from Knoxville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
