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Incident
Patrolman Claude Strong was shot and killed while making a traffic stop at Highway 94 and Ferry Landing.
The suspect was upset with the police department for arresting his son earlier in the day. The man intentionally drove the wrong way down a one-way street. When Patrolman Strong stopped him he exited his vehicle and opened fire, striking him seven times, four times in the back. As he lay dying, the man walked up to him and shot him once more, point blank, in the head.
The subject, 57, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison. Outrage, directed at the judge and jury, was expressed in newspapers throughout Kentucky as well as other states.
Patrolman Strong had served with the Hickman Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his three children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Strong gave the Hickman Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hickman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Strong.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hickman Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Claude is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Claude is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Claude is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1952, 5 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1952, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1952, 74 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Claude was 62. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Claude had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Claude was 62. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Claude had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Claude was 62. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Claude had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 6.2% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Hickman Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Hickman Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Claude among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Hickman Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
