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Incident
Patrolman Cal Smith was shot and killed by a man from ambush near Court Street.
The suspect had been arrested earlier for being drunk and disruptive. After being released on bail he secured a rifle and went looking for the arresting officer. Mistaking Patrolman Smith for the arresting officer, he shot him dead.
The suspect, son of a local prominent judge, was tried and acquitted. On October 24, 1899, he shot and killed his mistress at a saloon in Paducah, and then shot and killed himself.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
133 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Smith served with the Paducah Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Paducah community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Paducah Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Calvin is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Calvin is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Calvin is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1893, 6 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1893, 76 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1893, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
October holds 8.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Paducah Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.8% 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; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; winchester, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
Paducah Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Calvin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Paducah Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
