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Incident
Patrolman James Phelps suffered a fatal heart shortly after assisting at the scene of a fire at Bishop's Grocery.
He had rushed into the burning building to help search it for anyone trapped inside. After searching the second floor, he returned outside, where he vomited from the effects of the smoke. Approximately 90 minutes later, he collapsed while walking on S 4th Street near the city hall. Two other officers heard him fall and carried him to the city hall where he died.
Patrolman Phelps had served with the Paducah Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- 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
132 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Phelps gave the Paducah Police Department 4 years.
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 · Cardiac
Paducah Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them lost to cardiac events.
James is one of 44 officers lost to cardiac events in KY, 4.5% of the 984 remembered there.
James is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1894, 1 officer in KY was lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 36 years on record. The heaviest was 2024, with 4.
In 1894, 2 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 107th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1894, 2 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 107th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
James was 35. Of the 41 lost to cardiac events in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 60; the middle age was 51. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 10 years.
James was 35. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
James was 35. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
November holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; February holds the most, 18.2%. Fridays: 13.6%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 15.8%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.8%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Paducah Police Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.5% of all 984 deaths in KY, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Paducah Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Paducah Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
