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Incident
Constable Henry Phelps drowned in the Erie Canal while returning from Lenox Basin after serving court papers.
While riding back to Canastota, Constable Phelps' horse became frightened and jumped into the canal. Constable Phelps, who was wearing heavy clothing and did not know how to swim, drowned.
Constable Phelps had served as a constable for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, brother, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Constable Phelps gave the Lenox Constable's Office 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lenox community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Phelps.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Henry is the only officer of Lenox Constable's Office remembered here.
Henry is one of 641 officers lost to accidents in NY, 30.1% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Henry is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Henry is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1902, 4 officers in NY were lost to accidents, the 52nd heaviest of 137 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 24.
In 1902, 17 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 124th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1902, 21 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 132nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Henry was 45. Of the 575 lost to accidents in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 37. Henry had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Henry was 45. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Henry had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Henry was 45. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Henry had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 10.3% of these deaths in NY, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.5%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Lenox Constable's Office.
Accident deaths account for 30.1% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
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